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Scientific Name:
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Diceros bicornis michaeli
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Life span:
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About 30 – 35 years in the wild; more than 45 years under human care
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Gestation:
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15 – 16 months
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Number of young at birth:
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1
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Age of maturity:
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Females reach maturity between 5 and 7 years, whereas males reach maturity between 7 and 8 years old
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Size:
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4.5 – 6.0 ft. tall at shoulder
10 – 12.5 ft. long from head to tail |
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Weight:
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1,750 – 3,000 lbs.
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Size at birth:
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Average around 16 lbs. at birth
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Fun Facts:
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Found in eastern and southern Africa
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They live in open grasslands and floodplains
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Black rhinos are brownish gray, have two horns, a broad chest, thick skin, poor eyesight, excellent hearing, and a fondness for rolling in the mud. Their thick skin acts like protective plating but is sensitive, as the blood vessels are close to the skin’s surface and can easily be scarred.
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Black rhinos grow the longest horns with the front horn capable of reaching up to 4 ft
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Rhinos soak in mud or roll in dust as protection against sunburn and insect bites.
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Black rhinos use their prehensile upper lip to grab leaves and shrubs and guide them into its mouth
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All rhinos spend the majority of the morning late afternoon and nighttime eating. During the hottest part of the day, they rest.
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Horns are used to dig up roots and break branches for better access to food.
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Black rhinos can run at 40 miles per hour.
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Black rhinos can go for up to five days without drinking water by obtaining moisture from succulent plants.
Click here to view Disturbing Facts About Rhino Poaching (IRF)
