Rhinoceros |
Unique Features
The rhino's horns are made from hardened hair and not attached to its skull. They have small eyes and poor eyesight but an acute sense of smell and hearing. Their hides are extremely tough, like body armour, and can be up to 5cms thick. Most rhino live to be 60 years old or more. Status: The black rhino is endangered and the white rhino is vulnerable, because of the ruthless poaching of the horns, which are believed to be an aphrodisiac in some cultures. Description There are two species of rhino in southern Africa - the white rhino and the black rhino. Despite their names, their descriptions have nothing to do with their color. White rhino's have a Square lip and their heads hang low for grazing. They are usually found on flat open plains where there is short grass and permanent water. They group together as small families and are territorial. Black rhino have a pointed lip and their heads are held high for browsing. Their habitat is on the closed savannah and they prefer thickets. Males are solitary and females are territorial with offspring up to 3 years. |