Black Rhinoceros

Scientific Name and Origin

Diceros bicornis- 

Diceros: Greek di, meaning “two” and ceros, meaning “horn”

bicornis: Latin bi, meaning “two” and cornis, meaning “horn"

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Common Names 

African black rhinoceros: Not black at all. The black rhino probably derives its name from the dark-colored local soil covering its skin from wallowing, and possibly to distinguish it from the other African species of rhino, the white rhino. Prehensile-lipped rhinoceros: The upper lip of the black rhino is adapted for feeding from trees and shrubs and is the best distinguishing characteristic. Hook-lipped rhinoceros: also referring to the prehensile lip.

 

Distribution and Habitat 

Sub-Saharan Africa Tropical bush lands and savannahs

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Size:

800 to 1,350 kg (1,750 to 3,000 lb) 1.4 to 1.7 m (4.5 to 5.5 ft) tall at shoulder

Primary horn 0.5 to 1.3 m (1 ft 8 in to 4 ft 4 in)

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Physical Description

Gray to brownish-gray, two horns

 

Characteristics

Browser

Not as solitary as is commonly portrayed: adult females share overlapping home ranges; males usually solitary and possibly territorial

Females sexually mature at four to seven years of age; males at seven to ten years

Gestation period approximately 15 to 16 months; interbirth interval of 2.5 to four years

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