Endangered Species Zoo
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BLACK RHINOCEROS (Diceros bicornis)
DESCRIPTION:The Black Rhinoceros is one of only five remaining species of rhinoceros. It can grow up to 4.2m long and has two horns which it uses mainly for digging up bulbs. These horns are made from a dense mass of keratin (hair protein). The Black Rhino is a three toed animal that had broad hoof-like nails. They have poor vision and to see in front of them they must first look with one eye, then the other, but this is compensated by acute senses of smell and hearing. Despite their reputation as always being fierce, they are generally very placid, only charging when they feel threatened. The Black Rhino is generally a solitary animal, sometimes forming small herds in grassland areas.
HABITAT:Grassland and savanna areas in India, Java, Africa, particularly Ethiopia and Kenya.
DIET:Bulbs, grass and other foliage.REPRODUCTION:The gestation period is between 15 and 16 months after which the baby rhino stays with its mother for about two and a half years. The Black Rhino is a slow breeder, only producing a calf every two to four years.
POPULATION:In 1970 the Black Rhino population was as high as 65,000, but has declined to today's population which numbers about 2,600.
THREATS TO SURVIVAL:The Black Rhinoceros only has one predator - man, who hunts them for their horn which is used in Chinese medicine as an aphrodisiac. The horn is also used for artistic carvings.
CONSERVATION:Protected under the CITES treaty. There are several conservation parks which protect the Black Rhino, such as Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe where Black Rhinos are returned to the wild. In Kenya, the Black Rhino population has increased 5% per year due to fenced-in public and private areas, which protect the rhinos. |
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