Diceros bicornis

Description

One of the largest land mammals, the black rhino grows to more than 9 feet in length and over 5 feet high at the shoulder, and may weigh up to 3,000 pounds.

Despite its name, the black rhino is actually more gray in color than black. It has two horns made up of densely-packed hair fibers, the front one of which may be 2 to 5 feet long. The upper lip is pointed and prehensile, which is what distinguishes the black rhinoceros from the white rhinoceros, which has a squared upper lip.

Distribution and Habitat

Once common throughout much of Africa south of the Sahara, the black rhinoceros is now restricted to reserves in Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Zambia, and South Africa. They are usually found in the transitional zone between forest and grassland, so long as there is plenty of available water.

Reproduction

Breeding takes place throughout the year. A single calf is born after a gestation period of 419-478 days. The calf is weaned after 2 years and is independe