renoster

Renoster is a word of Afrikaans origin meaning rhinoceros. It is commonly used in South Africa and Namibia to refer to any of the rhinoceros species found in these regions. There are two species of rhinoceros native to southern Africa: the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) and the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis). Both are large, herbivorous mammals characterized by their thick, grey skin and one or two distinctive horns on their snout.

The white rhinoceros is the larger of the two species and is known for its broad, square upper lip, adapted for grazing. It is found in grasslands and savannas. The black rhinoceros, in contrast, has a prehensile upper lip suited for browsing on leaves and branches. It typically inhabits denser vegetation. Both species face significant threats from poaching for their horns, which are highly valued in some traditional medicine markets. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these endangered animals. The term "renoster" can therefore refer to either of these iconic African megafauna.