African Black RhinoScientific Name and Origin:Diceros bicornis. Diceros: from the Greek di, meaning "two" and ceros, meaning "horn". Bicornis: from the Latin bi, meaning "two" and cornis, meaning "horn".
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Common Names
African black rhinoceros: Not black at all, the black rhino probably derives its name from the dark-colored local soil covering its skin from wallowing and/or as a distinction from the misnamed white rhino. Prehensile-lipped rhinoceros: The upper lip of the black rhino is adapted for feeding from trees and shrubs and is the best distinguishing characteristic. Hook-lipped rhinoceros: also referring to the prehensile lip. |
Numbers
The Number of Black Rhinos had decreased 96% since 1970. |
Size and Physical Description
Smaller than the White Rhino, the Black rhino weighs from 1,500 to 3,000 pounds and is about five feet high at the shoulder. It is a light grey color with two horns (Long is 1.5 feet long). |
