Quick Black Rhinoceros facts
1. Black rhinos have a pointed prehensile upper lip that grips…Black rhinos have a pointed prehensile upper lip that grips leaves and twigs from shrubs and small trees.
2. The name black rhinoceros does not describe its actual skin colorThe name black rhinoceros does not describe its actual skin color, which is generally gray.
3. Both sexes usually carry two horns made of keratinBoth sexes usually carry two horns made of keratin, with the front horn commonly much longer.
4. Black rhinos are browsers rather than grass specialistsBlack rhinos are browsers rather than grass specialists, so their feeding shape differs from the broad mouth of white rhinos.
5. They rely heavily on smell and hearing because their eyesight…They rely heavily on smell and hearing because their eyesight is relatively limited at longer distances.
6. Individuals often use repeated dung piles called middens to exchange…Individuals often use repeated dung piles called middens to exchange scent information with other rhinos.
7. Black rhinos can run surprisingly quickly despite weighing well over…Black rhinos can run surprisingly quickly despite weighing well over a thousand kilograms.
8. Mothers normally raise a single calf and maintain a close bond for several yearsMothers normally raise a single calf and maintain a close bond for several years.
9. Calves often walk behind the motherCalves often walk behind the mother, unlike white-rhino calves that more often move ahead.
10. Black rhinos can use horns and feet to break branches…Black rhinos can use horns and feet to break branches while feeding in dense vegetation.
11. They are usually solitaryThey are usually solitary, although females and young may tolerate other rhinos around good resources.
12. Oxpeckers sometimes feed on ticks and other small organisms found on rhino skinOxpeckers sometimes feed on ticks and other small organisms found on rhino skin.
13. Black rhinos can survive in habitats ranging from desert margins…Black rhinos can survive in habitats ranging from desert margins to woodland and savanna.
14. Their home ranges may include regular paths linking waterTheir home ranges may include regular paths linking water, feeding areas, wallows and scent-marking sites.
15. Poaching for horn caused catastrophic population declines during the twentieth centuryPoaching for horn caused catastrophic population declines during the twentieth century.
16. Intensive protection and reintroduction programs have helped some black-rhino populations…Intensive protection and reintroduction programs have helped some black-rhino populations recover, but the species remains critically endangered.
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Why black rhinoceros are fascinating
Black rhinoceroses are African browsers with hooked upper lips and a reputation for being alert and highly defensive. Looking at these traits together reveals how the animal solves the everyday challenges of feeding, movement, communication, reproduction and survival.
Frequently asked questions
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