Black_Rhinoceros

Black Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis michgeli MAMMAL Order Perissodactyla Description 10-12 feet long, up to 5 feet high at shoulder, 1-2 tons. Two horns made up of fibrous keratin; forward horn larger—up to 28 inches. Coat color varies with soil color due to wallowing behavior. Rhino species do not differ much in color, and the popular names of black and white rhino probably arose from local soil covering the first specimens seen. Range Eastern Africa. Status This species is listed as endangered and trade of this species is prohibited by international law. Primary cause of population decline is hunting; rhino horn made into dagger handles is a symbol of wealth in many countries. Contrary to popular opinion, the horn is not consumed primarily as an aphrodisiac; only small amounts are used for this purpose. Lincoln Park Zoo is a member of the Black Rhinoceros Species Survival Plan. Habitat Montane rain forest to arid scrubland if water is available. Niche Herbivorous browser: eats leafy plants as well as branches, shoots, thorny wood bushes and fruit. Rhino rhino, species, horn, color, young, years, soil, skin, predators, possibly, popular, life, first, black, birth, after, about, thick, large, zoo, wood, white, wealth, water, wallowing, vary, varies, upper, upon, trade, toward, tolerate, tickbirds