Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
"White" Rhino
‹ PreviousWildlife GalleryNext ›

"White" Rhino

by SandyRichardsBrown

Gallery: WildlifePosted June 14, 2014356 views5 comments
Kruger Park, S Africa

2014:05:06
D800
80-400mm @ 90mm
1/200 sec, f/18
Mode: Av
Metering: Spot
Exp comp: +1/3
ISO: 2800 (set on "auto ISO by mistake)
AF mode: AF-C
White balance: AUTO1+2

Re the name "white" rhino:
The origin of the name "white rhinoceros" is interesting. The English word "white" is said to have been derived by mistranslation of the Dutch word "wijd", which means "wide" in English. The word "wide" refers to the width of the rhinoceros' mouth. So early English-speaking settlers in South Africa misinterpreted the "wijd" for "white" and the rhino with the wide mouth ended up being called the white rhino and the other one, with the narrow pointed mouth, was called the black rhinoceros.
An alternative name for the white rhinoceros, more accurate but rarely used, is the square-lipped rhinoceros.

Comments

5 comments
Comment posted by Jerry Austin on June 14, 2014 at 7:10 PM
Very nice Sandy. Both of the rhinos, considerably separated, are sharp. At 90mm, you must have been very close. Must have been a thrill.
Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments
Comment posted by Jim Zablotny on June 15, 2014 at 7:25 AM
Wonderful! I like the delicate coloration and wrinkles of the rhino's skin. This looks like the rhinos were approaching from a small hill..................Jim
Registered on January 17, 2004, 705 Posts, 3594 Comments
Comment posted by Brad Hill on June 16, 2014 at 11:28 AM
Hey Sandy,

Thanks for the image and the info - have to admit I always wondered why they were called White Rhinos. At 90mm you must have been close enough to get a real good view of these two!

Cheers...

Brad
Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments
Comment posted by Lon Sharp on June 18, 2014 at 12:55 PM
Well done, Sandy. I like the almost wide angle effect of 90mm making the subject almost loom into the frame.
Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments
Comment posted by Ken Watkins on July 9, 2014 at 8:01 AM
Great capture the positioning makes for both an interesting and different image :toast: :toast:
Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments