Black rhino
Diceros bicornis
About
Black rhinos are among the most fascinating and endangered animals on the planet. Recognisable by their unique hooked lips, they expertly navigate dense vegetation to feed on leaves and shrubs. These remarkable creatures are not only vital to their ecosystem, but also face significant threats from poaching and habitat loss.
They have two horns that continue to grow throughout their lives. These are made from a protein called keratin (just like our fingernails and hair). Their thick skin protects them from sharp thorns when browsing and their ears can manoeuvre to work out where sounds are coming from.
Black rhinos are most active at night, browsing for their food off trees, bushes and shrubs, helped by their powerful sense of smell, much more than by their poor eyesight. Despite the impression that they are solitary animals, rhinos have been known to be semi-social when habitat dictates, but adult males do tend to live alone when not mating.
Black rhino facts
Threats
The most pressing threat to black rhino populations is their highly valued horns. Many animals have been killed for the hard, hair-like growth, which is revered for medicinal uses in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The horn is also valued in North Africa and the Middle East for use as ornamental dagger handles.
The black rhino once roamed most of sub-Saharan Africa, but today is on the verge of extinction due to poaching fuelled by commercial demand for its horn, with only 700 thought to be left in the wild.
We’re proud to be working with the rhino rangers and game scouts who are on the front line of the war against illegal wildlife trade – these conservation heroes risk their lives daily to save this incredible animal.
Hunting or collection
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