BLACK RHINO
ENDANGERED
CRITICALLY
5,500
left in the wild
Height : 137 - 182cm
Weight : 798 - 1397 kg
Habitat : South Africa
The black rhino is the smaller of two rhino species that live in Africa. Although called the black rhino both the black and white rhinos are actually grey. The difference between the two species however is their lip, with the black rhino having a pointed upper lip which helps them to feed on bushes and trees. Black rhinos are solitary mammals except for when a female rhino has offspring which only happens every 2 and half to 5 years. Their calfs cannot live on their own for 3 years so the mother stays with them during this period of time. They have sharp hearing and a keen sense of smell which helps them to find each other from the trail of scent left by another rhino. Black rhinos tend to feed at night time and relax in the shade from the hot African sun. They also rub themselves in mud at watering holes to to coat their skin in a natural bug repellent and sun block. Black rhinos have 2 horns with 1 being more prominent than the other, growing 3 inches every year. Females use their horns to protect their young and the males use their horns to protect themselves and fight off attackers. They are one of the oldest groups of mammals but their population dramatically declined in the 20th century due to the threats that they face.
THREATS
Poaching
Poaching is the largest threat to the black rhino. The rhinos horns make them a lucrative target for the illegal trade in rhino horn. This is because of its hairlike growth which is revered for medical uses in some countries which unfortunately makes the horn a popular product on the black market. The trade of the black rhinos horn has increased sharply since 2007 and this is the main reason that the rhino is still critically endangered.
Human Impact
Human activity has caused a dramatic decline in rhino numbers. Between 1960 and 1995, black rhino numbers decreased by 98% because of hunting, poachers and settlers. Humans are taking more land with development which is also decreasing their habitat. Fortunately there are many conservations trying to help these mammals to survive.
Loss of Habitat
As human population expands and grows so does the space that humans need. This leads to more agriculture, settlements and roads being built which in turn takes away the space from other mammals leaving less room for free roam. Poachers are also encroaching on their habitat and leaving less space for the black rhino. Leaving little food or water to survive on.
War Conflicts
In locations where law and order has broken down it has unfortunately become much easier to kill the black rhino. Unfortunately deterrents for wildlife crime is low and the law enforcement systems across the world are constantly failing endangered species such as the black rhino.
Did You Know?
Black rhinos run on their toes. They charge at incoming threats reaching speeds of 34mph.
Scientific Name : Diceros Bicornis
Life Span : 35 - 50 years
Diet : Herbivorous (Leaves, Shoots, etc.)
Predators : Humans, occasionally Lions, Crocodiles and Hyenas
Gestation : 419 - 478 days
