Black Rhinoceros - Diceros bicornis
Desricption:
The African black rhinoceros, a two-horned species found in savannahs and on mountainsides south of Ethiopia, is characterized by a long, pointed, prehensile upper lip. Fewer than 300 African white rhinoceroses exist in eastern Africa; about 4,000 still remain on South African game reserves.It is the largest living land mammal except for the elephant and possibly the hippopotamus, growing to a shoulder height of 1.5 to 1.85 m (4.9 to 6.1 ft) and a length of 3.35 to 4.2 m (11 to 14 ft).
Rhinoceroses, particularly the black rhino, have a reputation for being dangerous, but in general they are peaceful and even timid except when threatened; a charging rhino is then, indeed, very dangerous.
The African black rhinoceros is one of five species of this large animal. The black rhinoceros, white rhinoceros, and Sumatran rhinoceros have two horns, whereas the Indian and Javan rhinoceroses have only one horn. All five species are herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plants.
The rhinoceros has notoriously poor eyesight, but makes up for this deficiency with an acute sense of smell.
Environment:
Black Rhinos live in Sudan, S. Chad to South Africa.Food:
They eat bulbs, grasses, shrubs, buds and shoots of small trees and bushes, and other foliage.Problem:
Black Rhinos suffers from the large market in Asia for its horn, which is used whole in artistic carving and is also prized as a medicine and aphrodisiac. Because of this market, four of the five rhinoceros species are nearing extinction.Solution:
Black Rhinos are now protected by law.
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