Read the stats from the African black rhino infographic below!
One of the charismatic 'big 5', the black rhino is smaller than its white rhino counterpart, but can still weigh in at a pretty hefty 1.4 tonnes.
Known as the shyer of the two species, the black rhino can be a solitary animal, although depending on the habitat, they have been known to congregate socially at waterholes. Despite its name, the black rhino is a dark grey in appearance. They have a primary distinguishing feature of a prehensile, or hooked, lip that It uses to feed on a variety of plants.
Black rhino fact file
Status: Critically Endangered
Population: Fewer than 5,000
Scientific name: Diceros bicornis
Size (Adult): 1.3m - 1.8m tall (at the shoulder) and 2.8m - 3.8m long (without tail)
Weight (Adult): 800 -1400kg
Max speed: 55km/h
Habitat: Tropical and Subtropical grasslands, savannas, deserts and xeric shrublands
Typical territorial area: Males up to 4.7km² and females up to 7.7km²
Where can the black rhino be found?
- Botswana
- Kenya
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Swaziland
- Tanzania
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Did you know?
- Black rhinos have poor eyesight and find it difficult to detect objects more than 30 metres away. Despite this, they do have an excellent sense of smell and hearing. So make sure you have a bath and stand very still!
- Black rhinos live between 30 and 35 years in the wild but can live up to 45 years in captivity.
- Black rhinos have three toes and a soft wrinkled sole. The front feet are larger than the back.
- If you're looking to get on the good side of a black rhino, then point them in the direction of trees and bushes. Acacia is a particular favourite.
- A black rhino's front horn is the longer of the two horns averaging 50cm in length.
- Colonial age hunting was previously the major factor in the decline of the black rhino population.
- Poaching for illegal horn trade by organised criminal gangs is now a major threat to the black rhino population.
- Powdered rhino horn is used in traditional Asian medicines, and is often seen as a symbol of wealth.
Volunteer with rhinos at African Conservation Experience
Learn more about rhino conservation in their natural habitat with an unforgettable on-the-ground experience at African Conservation Experience.
Travel through Kruger National Park to protect wild rhino populations, rehabilitate orphaned baby rhinos, and much more, ACE's rhino conservation projects are a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that makes a difference.
