EASTERN BLACK RHINOCEROS
Diceros bicornis michaeli
DESCRIPTION
The Eastern Black Rhinoceros is a subspecies of the black rhinoceros, known for its pointed upper lip which is adapted for grasping leaves and twigs. It is a critically endangered species primarily found in eastern and southern Africa.
FUN FACTS
- The Eastern Black Rhinoceros 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 Length3.5-4.0 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuresolitary, with occasional pairs or small groups
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks depending on region
- Habitat
- This species inhabits a range of environments including savannas, grasslands, and scrublands. They prefer areas with dense vegetation for browsing.
- Biomes
- Savanna, Grassland, Scrubland
- Native Range
- Eastern and southern Africa, particularly in countries like Kenya and Tanzania.
- Continent
- Africa
- Countries
- Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe
- Diet
- The Eastern Black Rhinoceros is a herbivore that primarily feeds on leaves, branches, and shrubs. It prefers browsing on woody plants and is known to consume a variety of vegetation.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- leaves, twigs, shrubs
- Social Structure
- solitary, with occasional pairs or small groups
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-3
- Territorial
- 1
800-1,400 kg
Weight
3.5-4.0 m
Length
1.4-1.8 m at shoulder
Height (Shoulder)
- Coloration
- dark gray to black, 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, with peaks depending on region
CR
Critically Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is critically endangered, with significant declines due to poaching and habitat loss.
- Wild Population Estimate
- approximately 5,000-6,000
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include poaching for their horns and habitat destruction due to agriculture 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, with few natural predators due to their size
- Defense Mechanisms
- They use their size and strength to defend themselves, and can charge at high speeds when threatened.
- Compatible Animals
- none
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon