Black Rhino

The Black rhino is one of the two rhino species found in Africa. In the same way that the White rhino is not white, the Black rhino is not actually black. Its skin is more of a grey colour. There are a number of theories as to why the Black rhino is called ‘black’ but two of the most common are that the upper lip has a type of beak formation and this has been translated to ‘black’ and perhaps the more common theory is that is that the English called it black as it was opposite to white!  The black rhino is also known as the hook lipped rhino.

The black rhino is a browser and is often found in thick bush. Far more shy, secretive and aggressive than the white rhino, the black rhino can be more difficult to track and spot.

Populations of black rhino have been decimated over recent years. It is thought that as recently as 1970 there were as many as 65,000 black rhinos in the wild. The estimated population today is less than 5,000.

 

General black rhino facts:

Scientific Name:	Diceros bicornis
Sub-species
Eastern black rhino:	Diceros bicornis michaeli
Southwestern black rhino:	Diceros bicornis bicornis
Southern central black rhino:	Diceros bicornis minor
Average Weight:	800kg to 1,350kg
Height at shoulder:	1.4 to 1.7 meters (4.5 to 5.5 ft)
Length (head & body):	3 to 3.8 meters (10 to 12.5 ft)
Front horn length:	54cm to 134cm
Rear horn length:	2.5cm to 56cm
Lifespan:	Between 30 and 40 years
Speed:	Up to 50km per hour (28mph)
Social Behaviour:	Solitary
IUCN conservation status:	Critically Endangered

 

Reproduction

Gestation:	15 to 16 months
Birth intervals per calf:	2.5 to 4 years
Female sexual maturity:	4 to 7 years
Male sexual maturity:	7 to 10 years
Calves weaned:	1 year

 

Distribution

Wild Population:	5,000 to 5,500
Range:	Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe