Photo by
Mike Matson Description and Characteristics: The are two
types of Rhino found in Africa - the Black Rhino and the White Rhino. Black
Rhinos are more rare than White Rhino
The white rhino has a more
prominent square lip, are larger than black rhino and are not as aggressive as
black rhinos. Black Rhinos have a pointed mouth with a hooked lip. Black and
White Rhinos are grey in colour.
Both the black and white Rhino have two
horns, the longer of which is in the from. They are made of keratin which is
the same material as hooves, fingernails and hair. The horns grow out of the
skin.
Rhinos survival has been threatened by the high demand for their
horns over the years - in the 1970's there was demand for their horns from the
Arabs who used them in production of dagger handles. There is a high demand for
rhino horn from Asia who use them in traditional medicine and ornamental
carvings.
Feeding/drinking
Habits: White Rhinos are grass eaters (grazers), Black Rhinos are
browsers, eating a large variety of vegetation, including leaves, buds and
shoots of plants, bushes and trees.
Habitat: Black rhinos have various habitats,
but are mainly found in areas with dense, woody vegetation. White rhinos live
in savannah's with close access to waterholes, mud wallows and shady trees.
Size & Lifespan The white
rhino is larger and heavier than the black rhino. White Rhino weighing 1,800
- 2,700 kg. Height: 5 - 6 ft (1.5 - 1.8 m) tall at shoulder, Length: 12.5-15 ft
(3.8-5m) length of head and body Black Rhino weighing 800 - 1,350 kg,
Height: 4.5 - 5.5 ft (1.4 - 1.7 m) tall at shoulder. Length: 10- 12.5 ft
(3.0-3.8m) length of head and body
The white rhino lives to about 50
years and the black rhino about 30-35 years in the wild and 35-45+ years in
captivity
Reproduction: White
Rhino: Gestation period is approximately 16 months with a birth interval of 1
calf every 2 to 3 years .
Black Rhino: Gestation period is approximately
15 to 16 months. Birth intervals of a single calf, every 2.5 to 4 years.
A calf will remain with her mother for 2-4 years
Predators
and Threats: Man has been the main predator of the Rhino -
poaching them for their horns. Efforts are ongoing to save the rhino from
extinction.
The Rhinoceros (Endangered Animals &
Habitats) by Mary Hull Presents an overview of various species of
rhinoceroses, how they have become endangered, and what is being done to
protect them from extinction. Buy From (amazon.com) - USA(amazon.co.uk) - UK
Rhinos- (Zoobooks Series) by John
Bonnett Wexo packed with current scientific facts, striking photography,
beautiful illustrations and unique activities that teach children about animals
and the habitats in which they live. Buy From (amazon.com) - USA(amazon.co.uk) - UK
Save the Rhino
International we save rhinos by supporting projects that protect them
and their habitats, raising public awareness of rhino conservation.
The International Rhino
Foundation a non-profit organization dedicated to the worldwide
conservation of the five living species of rhinoceros: Black, White, Indian,
Javan and Sumatran.
Rhino
Ark to raise such funds and material support as are required for the
building of an electrified fence to encircle both the Aberdares National Park
and the demarcated forestry areas which make up the Aberdares Conservation
Area.
