Black Rhino Facts

© Roger de la Harpe

Black Rhino

Diceros bicornis
3 surviving subspecies D.b. bicornis (south western subspecies), D.b.minor (south eastern subspecies and D.b.michaeli (east African subspecies)
Diceros
from the Greek di, meaning 'two' and ceros, meaning 'horn'
bicornis
from the Latin bi, meaning 'two' and cornis, meaning 'horn'
POPULATION
3,610
HABITAT
Grasslands, savannahs and tropical bushlands in Africa
Weight
800 - 1,350 kg
Height
1.4 - 1.7 m tall at shoulder
Length
3.0-3.8m length of head and body
Horn
Two. There are two horns. The front, larger (anterior) measures 0.5 - 1.3 m long. The rear (posterior) horn is smaller and measures 2 to 55 cm long.
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Subspecies
4
HABITAT
The black rhino lives in Africa, primarily in grasslands, savannahs and tropical bushlands.
Ecology
The black rhino is a browser, i.e. it consumes leaves and branches of shrubs and trees. As an adaptation for browsing, the upper lip is prehensile and is the species' most distinguishing characteristic.
Longevity
30-35 years in the wild 35-45+ years in captivity
GESTATION
Gestation period is approximately 15 to 16 months. Birth intervals of a single calf, every 2.5 to 4 years.
Sexual Maturity
Females at 4 to 7 years; Males at 7 to 10 years
SOCIAL STRUCTURE
Adult females have overlapping ranges and hence are not as solitary as is commonly portrayed. Males are usually solitary and territorial but do join up with known individuals in its territory including other males. Home range size varies greatly, depending on the habitat and to some extent on sex and age. (IUCN rhino specialist workgroup)

Black Rhino

Bulls weigh up to 1 200 Kg and cows about 800 Kg. As such this species is smaller than the White Rhino. It can further be distinguished from...more
Kruger National Park - South African Safari