Black Rhino
Matthew Dvorak Hr:3rd Adv. wildlife studies
The Black Rhino
The Black Rhino is a species of rhinoceros commonly found in eastern and central Africa. Its a mammal and its diet classification is herbivore. they have an average life span of 35-50 years, usually have a gestation period of roughly 460 days, and an average adult weighs around 1800-3000 pounds.
Habitat and Diet
Usually located in deserts, grasslands, and montane forests. They are normally restricted to locations that are within 25 meters of a water source. Do to its adaption into forested areas, their diet mainly consists of twigs and legumes, along with a wide variety of plant species. As well as drinking water on a daily basis.
Reproduction
Breeding is often throughout the year. With the birthing period being between 420 and 480 days, with an average interval of 3 years between calves. Calves start to wean at about two months. Females reach maturity at about 5 or 6 while males don't reach maturity until 10 to 12.
Additional facts
- The current population is holding strong at around 5000 Rhinos.
- 98% of the population are found in these four countries, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.
- The main reason for the decline was do to early European settlers hunting them.
- Habitat loss has also caused a huge loss in numbers, no forest means no home, herds scatter and die off.
How would their extinction affect the environment?
Rhinos have become part of numerous ecosystems due to them being around for 40 million years. With the protection of the rhino and its environment, the others animals living in their ecosystem are also protected. If the rhino went extinct, so would their habitats. If there is no large creature to protect the environment, other predators will move in and destroy it. Rhinos are seen as apex predators, who keep their ecosystems in check. Populations of other less than desirable creatures could burst causing the possible destruction of regions. Vegetation would be destroyed causing all the other species that thrive in the area to suffer and possibly also go extinct.
Cause of endangerment
In 1995 the black rhino reached the critically endangered list. Leading causes for the rhinos to join this list would be unlawful poaching and altering of habitats. Poaching is the leading cause for the endangerment, mainly hunters killing for the horns, which are then used to make knives and medication. According to record, the rhino is very easily poached do to its bad eye sight. The other reasons for endangerment are normal human defense from the animal and habitat alteration. Their habitats are constantly being changed by factors they cannot control, pollution is a main cause, deforestation is also at the top of the list for their endangerment.
How are we saving the species?
Besides the obvious fact of guarded safe havens set up by governments for the conservation of the species. Illegal trading of their horns has been forbidden across the entire globe. Some companies are hiring guards for the natural habitats as well to try and protect the rhino in its natural habitat. Hunting the rhino has been banned globally. Many zoo's around the world are breeding the rhinos constantly in an effort to bring the population back up. There have been many trust funds and organizations set up as well to try and conserve the species.