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Northern White Rhinoceros
Ceratotherium simum cottoni
Only two individuals remain on Earth — a mother and daughter — making this the rarest large mammal alive.
- Range
- Kenya
- Region
- Africa
- Habitat
- Grassland and savannah (last two live under armed guard at Ol Pejeta Conservancy)
Field notes
- Weight
- 1,600–2,300 kg
- Size
- 3.35–4 m (length)
- Lifespan
- up to 40–50 years
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Family
- Rhinocerotidae
- Order
- Perissodactyla
The story
Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos, graze under 24-hour armed protection in Kenya. With no males left, the subspecies is functionally extinct; scientists are racing to create embryos via IVF using preserved genetic material and southern white rhino surrogates.
What's killing them
- Poaching for horn
- Civil conflict across former range
- Functionally extinct — no breeding pair
Who's fighting for them
International Rhino FoundationInternational Rhino Foundation Donate
Save the RhinoSave the Rhino International Donate
Re:wildRe:wild — Global Wildlife Conservation Donate
Logos are the property of their respective organisations and link to their official sites.
Quick answers
How many Northern White Rhinoceros are left in the world?
Approximately 2 — both female. The Northern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and their population trend is declining. Figures are estimates compiled from the IUCN Red List and conservation organisations.
Where does the Northern White Rhinoceros live?
The Northern White Rhinoceros is found in Kenya (Africa). Their habitat: Grassland and savannah (last two live under armed guard at Ol Pejeta Conservancy).
Why is the Northern White Rhinoceros endangered?
The main threats to the Northern White Rhinoceros are: Poaching for horn; Civil conflict across former range; Functionally extinct — no breeding pair.
Who is working to save the Northern White Rhinoceros?
Organisations working on Northern White Rhinoceros conservation include International Rhino Foundation; Save the Rhino International; Re:wild — Global Wildlife Conservation.
Where they live
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Laikipia, Kenya · Kenya · Africa — Approximate range. Click the map to zoom.