BLACK RHINO
Diceros bicornis
DESCRIPTION
The black rhino (Diceros bicornis) is a species of rhinoceros native to Africa, known for its distinctive hooked upper lip which is adapted for grasping leaves and twigs. It is smaller than the white rhino and is more solitary in nature.
FUN FACTS
- Black rhinos can run up to 30 miles per hour | They have excellent hearing and sense of smell, but poor eyesight | Their horns are made of keratin, the same material as human hair and nails
QUICK INFO
Lifespan30-40 years in the wild, up to 50 in captivity
Average Weight800-1,400 kg
Average Length3.0-3.8 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuresolitary, occasionally seen in pairs or small groups
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round
- Habitat
- Black rhinos inhabit a range of environments including savannas, grasslands, and scrub forests. They prefer areas with dense vegetation for browsing.
- Biomes
- Savanna, Grassland, Scrubland
- Native Range
- The black rhino is found in various regions across eastern and southern Africa.
- Continent
- Africa
- Countries
- Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe
- Diet
- Black rhinos are herbivores that primarily feed on leaves, branches, and shrubs. They are known to consume a variety of plant species, often selecting those that are high in nutrients.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- Acacia leaves, shrubs
- Social Structure
- solitary, occasionally seen in pairs or small groups
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 1
800-1,400 kg
Weight
3.0-3.8 m
Length
1.4-1.6 m at shoulder
Height (Shoulder)
- Coloration
- Gray to brown, with a rough skin texture
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are generally larger than females
- Lifespan
- 30-40 years in the wild, up to 50 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 15-16 months
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round
CR
Critically Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The black rhino population has been severely reduced due to poaching and habitat loss, but conservation efforts are ongoing.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 5,000-5,500
- Population Trend
- Increasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- The main threats to black rhinos include poaching for their horns and habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and human settlement.
- Conservation Program
- Various conservation programs are in place, including anti-poaching initiatives and habitat restoration efforts.
- Predators
- Humans are the primary threat; young rhinos may be vulnerable to lions.
- Defense Mechanisms
- Black rhinos use their size and strength to defend themselves, and they can charge at high speeds when threatened.
- Compatible Animals
- None
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon