Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) — Critically Endangered Mammalia

Black Rhinoceros

Diceros bicornis

Conservation Status

Critically Endangered

Mammalia · Perissodactyla · Rhinocerotidae

About

The black rhinoceros, also called the black rhino or the hooked-lip rhinoceros, is a species of rhinoceros native to East and Southern Africa, including Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Although the species is referred to as black, its colours vary from brown to grey. It is the only extant species of the genus Diceros.

Fun Fact

Black rhinos use their prehensile, hooked upper lip to grasp branches and strip leaves — unlike the white rhino's flat, wide mouth for grazing — and they can run up to 55 km/h (34 mph) despite weighing over a tonne.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Savannas and scrublands

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

35-50 years

Threats

  • Poaching for Horn
  • Extremely Small and Fragmented Populations
  • Habitat Loss and Human Encroachment

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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