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Black Rhinoceros

Diceros bicornis

Critically Endangered ↑

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

45 years

Length

3.5 m

Weight

1.2 t

Population

5.5K

Trend

↑ Increasing

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About

One of Africa's most endangered large mammals, black rhinos weigh up to 1,400 kg and inhabit savanna, scrubland, and highland forests of eastern and southern Africa. Distinguished from white rhinos by their pointed, prehensile lip adapted for browsing shrubs. Critically Endangered, with populations reduced by 97.6% since 1960 due to poaching for horn, which fetches astronomical prices in illegal wildlife trade. Conservation efforts have allowed modest recovery.

Fun Facts

✨ Rhino horns are made of keratin, the same protein as human fingernails.
✨ They can run at 55 km/h.
✨ Black rhinos have poor eyesight but excellent hearing.

Habitat & Distribution

Found across multiple habitat types including tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, montane grasslands and shrublands, and Mediterranean forests and woodlands, among 5 distinct biome types within the Afrotropic biogeographic realm. Populations are also found in montane and highland environments at higher elevations.

🌾 Savanna 🪴 Shrubland

Found in South Africa. Currently classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

🇿🇦 South Africa

Diet & Behavior

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Herbivore

Black Rhinoceros is classified as herbivore, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🌿 Herbivore

Plant matter 100%

Conservation Status

CR Critically Endangered

Estimated Population

5.5K

Population Trend

↑ Increasing

Full Taxonomy

Perissodactyla (مفردات الأصابع)

Family

Rhinocerotidae (Rhinos)

Genus

Diceros (Black Rhinos)

Species

Diceros bicornis (Black Rhinoceros)

Names in Other Languages

Spanish Rinoceronte Negro

French Rhinocéros noir

German Spitzmaulnashorn

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Black Rhinoceros?

The scientific name of Black Rhinoceros is Diceros bicornis. It belongs to the genus Diceros.

What is the conservation status of Black Rhinoceros?

Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List. The population trend is increasing.

Where does Black Rhinoceros live?

Black Rhinoceros is found in Found in South Africa. Currently classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.. Countries include South Africa.

What family does Black Rhinoceros belong to?

Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) belongs to the genus Diceros, which is part of the taxonomic family Rhinocerotidae.

What does Black Rhinoceros eat?

Black Rhinoceros is herbivore. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.

How long does Black Rhinoceros live?

Black Rhinoceros has an average lifespan of approximately 45 years in the wild.

How many Black Rhinoceros are left in the wild?

The estimated wild population of Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) is approximately 5,500 individuals.

Is Black Rhinoceros endangered?

Yes, Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, which means it faces a significant risk of extinction in the wild.