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There are two species of African Rhinoceros, The African Black Rhino which is critically endangered and the African White Rhino, which has 2 sub species. One of its subspecies has recovered from the brink of extinction and is regarded as a conservation success story, while another is in danger of extinction.
Zoological name:
African Black Rhino: Diceros Bicornis
African White Rhino: Ceratotherium simum
Range: The African Black Rhinoceros is found in Eastern Central and Southern Africa. The African White Rhinoceros is found mainly in South Africa, with a small population in Central Africa.
Estimated population: There are only around 3,600 African Black Rhino surviving in the wild. All four of its subspecies are designated as critically endangered. The White Rhino has 2 subspecies. While the Southern White Rhino has recovered and is protected in South Africa, where there are over 11,000 white rhinos, the Northern White Rhino is critically endangered with only around 30 surviving in Garamba National Park in Congo.
Physical characteristics: Black Rhinos have two horns in a row (a smaller one behind and a larger one in front) and a thick grey-black hide. White rhinos also have 2 horns. The larger frontal horn can grow to a length of 60- 150 cm. The horn is made of keratin, similar to human nails and hair. It appears after a year and grows with age.
Adult White Rhinos are the second largest land mammals. They grow to weigh from 2 - 3 tons. Their hide is actually gray in color. They also have 2 horns and a wide mouth. The word 'Weit' Wide in Afrikaans, has been transformed to White over time and that is how the White Rhino gets its name.
Habitat: Black Rhinos prefer forested areas, near rivers and watering holes.
Diet: Rhinos are herbivorous and eat leaves, grass and shrubs. They spend several hours a day browsing for food.
Behavior: Rhinos are usually solitary. Male Black Rhinos are aggressive and will charge if provoked. They mark their territory with their dung and urine. Black Rhino calves follow their mothers till they are about 2 years old. Rhinos enjoy wallowing in mud pools and spend a good deal of time cooling off in water.
Status: Rhinos continue to be poached for their horns, which are used in Chinese medicine. The African Black Rhino is considered critically endangered with only 3,600 surviving in the wild. The Southern African White Rhino has recovered successfully from a critical situation but the situation of the northern African White Rhino is dire.
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