Every year on September 22, the world unites to celebrate World Rhino Day, a moment to reflect on one of the most iconic and endangered species on our planet.
Much of the conversation rightfully focuses on the threats rhinos face from poaching and the tireless efforts that go into protecting them. But have you ever wondered what the rhino itself might have to say?
White Rhinos have a wide variety of intricate and unique ways to communicate vocally, and some of them might surprise you.
The “Puff” – The most common sound you’ll hear on safari is the Puff. A sharp exhale followed by an inhale is used to express annoyance. You might hear it when a male tries to get too close to a female and her calf. The Puff is her way of saying “Not today.” Often, once the male hears the ‘Puff’ he stops his approach and keeps a respectful distance. Guests usually feel for the male rhino, who has been given the cold shoulder. In most cases the males take the hint and back off, but if ignored, the Puff can quickly escalate into something much more dramatic… If males get frustrated, they could turn those emotions onto the calf. I have seen theatrical scenes of male rhinos charging, hitting and rolling calves when attempting to court the mother. So, the females definitely have the right to be defensive!
The “Growl” – If a male doesn’t respect the Puff, the female levels up to a deep, bellowing Growl. This powerful sound is often paired with a charge and it’s one that always takes guests by surprise. It’s the kind of sound you’d expect from a predator like a lion, not from a rhino. No wonder it gets hearts racing on safari!
The “Squeal” – At the other end of the spectrum is the calf’s Begging Squeal. High-pitched and whiny, it’s the sound of a youngster wanting to suckle or begging for attention. Because calves can’t easily reach their mother’s udders, they rely on her to adjust – either by standing still or by lying down. The begging squeals are a common noise while viewing a mother and calf and are often found to be quite endearing to see such a big, powerful animal making such a gentle, vulnerable-sounding noise.
The “Hi-Cough” – Perhaps the most unusual sound is the male’s Hi-Cough. This is a loud vocalisation produced by the male while courting a female and sounds like a combination of a hiccup and a cough together. When a male finds a female in estrus, he embarks on a courting process which can take up to 20 days! During this time, they will partake in wrestling matches, which allows the male to show off his strength. Throughout, he punctuates his advances with persistent Hi-Coughs, to remind the female of his intentions (and perhaps to beg a little patience). If, after the 20 days, he has proven himself an impressive enough suitor, then the copulation (which can last an hour) will commence.
While animals may not speak our language, they certainly have a lot to say. From grunts, squeals, and whistles to bellows and coughs, rhinos possess a remarkable vocal repertoire. Each sound carries a distinct meaning, from annoyance and defence to affection and desire. And if we listen and watch closely, and interpret their communications correctly, we can discover a whole world of thoughts and feelings from these incredible creatures!
by Sarah Barratt – Guide at Thornybush Game Lodge
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