General Information on the Black Rhinoceros

• Family: Rhinocerotidae
• Genus: Diceros
• Species: bicornis

Physical Characteristics

• Weight: 1,000- 1,800 kg
• Length (head to tail): 3.5- 4.45 m
• Height: 1.4- 1.8 m
• Horns: 2 true keratin horns
• Species Specific Characteristic: Prehensile, triangular shaped upper lip - allowing the Black Rhino to browse efficiently
• Origin of Name: Distinguishing the Black Rhino from the White Rhino, whose name stems from the Afrikaans word "weit" meaning "wide-lipped"

Feeding

• Feeding Behavior: Browsing
• Diet: Leaves, sticks, and branches from a variety of plant species

Habitat and Distribution

• Habitat: Dry savannah areas
• Historic Distribution: Throughout Sub-Saharan Africa
• Current Distribution: Isolated pockets and game reserves within historic range

Reproduction

• Breeding Season: No distinct breeding season, occurs year-round
• Age at First Reproduction: 3.5-5.5 years
• Interbirth Interval : 2.5- 4 years
• Gestation Time : 15-18 months
• Litter Size: 1
• Age of Independence: 2.5-3 years

(all information from San Diego Zoo, 2003)

 

Questions or comments?Email me