Rhino Dust Bath — White Rhino Kruger

Description

Dust bathing behaviour in white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) serves multiple thermoregulatory and ectoparasite management functions — the dry mineral dust coating the skin under the skin folds where ticks concentrate. This photograph captures a large adult bull mid-wallow in the Sabi Sand section of Kruger, the animal rolling and throwing dust from the wallow surface in a cloud of golden particles that catches the late afternoon sun. The prehistoric physical presence of the species — the armour-like skin folds, the swept-back horn, the massive body mass — combined with the cloud of golden dust creates a photograph of considerable visual drama. The image has been used in rhino conservation communications and as a fine art print.