The Black Rhino, Breaking the Scales...
The Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) may not look black, and that's because it isn't. It's gray, and hard to differentiate between them and other species of rhinos. Adults weigh a ton...literally. Breaking the scales at a whopping 1760 pounds minimum and typically ranging up to near 4000 pounds, this animal weighs more than some small trucks!
What does the Black Rhinoceros Look Like?
Cool facts about the Black Rhino
Rhinos are well known and instanlty recognizable from their large, armor-like body and 2 large horns. There are four subspecies of Black Rhinos. The Western Black Rhino is believed to recently become extinct. Black Rhinos originate from eastern and central Africa including the countries of Tanzania, Cameroon, South Africa, Namibia, Kenya and Zimbabwe. They are about 10-12 feet long and 5 feet tall on average. Females are smaller than males. Their horns are made of a tough, fiborous protein, keratin, typically found in nails, hair, hooves and claws of animals. Two horns are usually present, however a third smaller horn develops. The largest horn can be 20 inches long.
A pointed mouth helps them with their herbivorous lifestyle, gnawing on leaves and twigs and clearing out dense woods, maintaining a grassy environment on the Africa plains. The ultra-thick outside layer of skin protects against thick, sharp grass and brush, and allows it to venture into areas other animals may not have the advantage of a tough skin. They also rely on their sense of smell and hearing much more than their poor eyesight.
Black Rhino Photos on Flickr
Get a better idea of what a Black Rhinoceros looks like with these photos.
Give way to the elephant
Black Rhino Poll
Close View of the Two Horns on a Southern Black Rhinoceros
Photographic Print
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Rhino Videos
They Weight a Ton...or Two
Black Rhinos can weigh near 4000 pounds, that's as much as a small truck!
The Rhino Horn Demand
Poachers selling horn as status symbol
The Black Rhino has long been poached for its horn, tail and other body parts, being commonly used for disproven medicinal benefits. Later, poaching dramatically increased in the 1970s. Why? Oil! The world's dependence on foreign oil allowed poverty-sticken Middle Eastern nations like Yemen to grow exponentially, and became much wealthier per capita. Rhino horn is a coveted prize used for knife handles in Middle Eastern countries. These horns were (and still are) sold for tens of thousand of dollars.The growing demand for the horns decreased the Black Rhino population to an all-time low count of 2410 in 2004, down from an estimated several hundred thousand in 1900. Between 1970 and 1992, the Black Rhino population decreased 96%. Anti-poaching efforts and laws have been put in place to try and protect all rhinoceros, but it is a task difficult to maintain.
Here's Where you can Help!
Below you will find organizations that help to conserve this dwindling species. Help out the Black Rhinoceros so future generations can enjoy this amazing animal!
Black Rhino Links
- The International Rhino Foundation
- The International Rhino Foundation is dedicated to the survival of the world's rhino species through conservation and research. Adopt a Rhino!
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
- Daphne Sheldrick is recognized internationally as probably the world authority on both the African Elephant and the Black Rhinoceros, with a broad knowledge of Natural History and the interlocking role of different species within the environment.
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Rhino Feedback!
Thanks for reading! Have something to share about Black Rhinos, or just like the lens? Drop a line here!
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Reply
- JaguarJulie JaguarJulie May 3, 2009 @ 7:55 am
- You know, every time I see the black rhino on TV, it makes me wonder why it's not the silver rhino. I know I wouldn't want to come face to face with one of these -- especially weighing upwards of 4000 pounds -- that is incredible!
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- BigGirlBlue BigGirlBlue Apr 19, 2009 @ 6:16 pm
- It's such a beautiful prehistoric looking creature. The demand for a rhino horn seems ridiculous to me. It's only beautiful on the animal when it is still alive.
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- ElizabethJeanAllen ElizabethJeanAllen Nov 21, 2008 @ 4:42 pm
- I didn't realize the Black Rhino was endangered. I should have. I've never seen one, not even in a zoo.
Great lens on a worthy cause.
I would also like to say thank you for your kind comments on my Say Something Nice Lens.
5*
Lizzy
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Reply
- naturegirl7 naturegirl7 Oct 30, 2008 @ 5:46 pm
- Welcome to the Naturally Native Squids group. Don't forget to add your lens link to the appropriate plexo and vote for it.
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- ArtByLinda ArtByLinda Aug 19, 2008 @ 11:28 am
- Wonderful information on the Black Rhino, I just visited a wildlife safari in Oregon that is heavily involved in helping to save endangered animals. They had two Rhino's there, but honestly I couldn't tell you if they were the Black rhino, they looked fit, and happy! They run loose with the cars, and you get a warning note when you go in "If the rhino's are close, do not stop. We are not responsible for punctured tires or tipped over vehicles!" Great lens! 5 ***** to you! Linda
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