Black Rhino
Scientific Name: Diceros bicornis
Common name: Black Rhino
Afrikaans: Wit Renoster
Setswana: Tshukudu e ntsho
Description
An adult Black rhinoceros stands 140-180 cm (55-71 in) high at the shoulder and is 3-3.75 m (9.8-12.3 ft) in length. The females are smaller than the males. Their two horns on the skull are made of keratin with the larger front horn typically 50 cm (20 in) long, exceptionally up to 140 cm (55 in). The Black rhino has a pointed and prehensile upper lip, which it uses to grasp leaves and twigs when feeding, whereas the white rhinoceros has square lips used for eating grass. The Black rhinoceros can also be distinguished from the White rhinoceros by its size, smaller skull, and ears; and by the position of the head, which is held higher than the white rhinoceros, since the black rhinoceros is a browser and not a grazer. The thick-layered skin helps to protect Black rhinos from thorns and sharp grasses. It is commonly assumed that Black rhinos have poor eyesight, relying more on hearing and smell. However, studies have shown that their eyesight is comparatively good, at about the level of a rabbit. Their ears have a relatively wide rotational range to detect sounds. An excellent sense of smell alerts rhinos to the presence of predators.
Habitat
Black rhinos are generally solitary and sedentary creatures. They tend to live in the same area throughout their lives. They are not very territorial and often intersect other rhino territories. Males typically live alone before mating. Female rhinos, on the other hand, form small groups together with their young. The territories of these groups often overlap. In addition, females occasionally form temporary social units. Members of these groups travel and feed together. Black rhinos are most active in the morning and evening when they travel, feed, and drink. During the midday hours, they typically exhibit less activity. When feeling danger, they curl their tail and flee to escape the threat while emitting various snorting sounds. When the danger has passed, these curious animals start exploring the source of the threat. During the dry season of hot days, Black rhinos can often be seen taking mud baths, which help them to cool off. They get the required nutrients from salt licks of the area, to which they take occasional trips.
Diet
Black rhinos are herbivores (folivores, lignivores, frugivores, graminivores). They are browsing mammals, which generally consume leafy plants, branches, shoots, thorny wood bushes, grass and fruit.
Behaviour
Rhinos are solitary animals, and both males and females establish territories. They use their horns not only when fighting for territory or mates, but also to defend themselves from potential predators, such as lions, tigers, and sometimes hyenas. Unusually for an herbivore, rhinos are considered to be highly aggressive. They are well known for having poor eyesight, but they have very good hearing and a keen sense of smell.
Conservation Status
Black Rhino Diceros bicornis has most recently been assessed for The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2020. Diceros bicornis is listed as Critically Endangered under criteria A2abd+4abd.
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