Species Overview

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Perissodactyla
Family: Rhinocerotidae
Genus: Diceros (Black Rhino), Ceratotherium (White Rhino)
Species:

Diceros bicornis (Black Rhino)

Ceratotherium simum (White Rhino)

Life Span: 35–50 years (in the wild)

Weight:

Black Rhino: 800–1,400 kg (1,760–3,090 lbs)

White Rhino: 1,400–2,300 kg (3,090–5,070 lbs)

Height:

Black Rhino: 1.5–1.7 meters (5–5.6 feet) at the shoulder

White Rhino: 1.5–1.8 meters (5–5.9 feet) at the shoulder

Length:

Black Rhino: 3.5–4 meters (11.5–13 feet) from head to tail

White Rhino: 4–4.5 meters (13–14.8 feet) from head to tail

Animal Behavior and Habits

Activity: Mostly Diurnal – Rhinos are primarily active during the day, but can also be active at night, especially in cooler climates. They tend to graze in the early morning and late afternoon, often retreating into the shade during the midday heat.

Feeding Habits:

Black Rhino: Browser – Black rhinos are primarily browsers, feeding on shrubs, small trees, fruits, and woody plants. They use their prehensile upper lip to grasp and manipulate branches and leaves.

White Rhino: Grazers – White rhinos feed primarily on grass and other vegetation. They are less selective than black rhinos and typically graze in open plains or grasslands.

Social Structure:

Black Rhino: Solitary – Black rhinos are mostly solitary, though females may be seen with calves. Males generally have large territories, and interactions between individuals are often limited to mating or disputes over territory.

White Rhino: More Social – White rhinos are more social than black rhinos, forming small groups, especially females and their young. Males tend to be solitary, although they may interact with other rhinos during mating season.

Behavioral Traits: Rhinos are known for their thick skin, which provides protection from both environmental elements and predators. They are territorial, especially black rhinos, who will aggressively defend their space. Despite their size, they can move surprisingly fast when threatened, especially across short distances. They communicate through scent marking, body language, and vocalizations such as grunts or snorts.

Habitat and Environment

Preferred Habitat:

Black Rhino: Prefers dense bush, forest edges, and savannas. They are often found in areas with plenty of shrubs and trees, where they can browse for food.

White Rhino: Found in open grasslands, savannas, and wetlands, particularly in areas with abundant grass for grazing.

Water Sources: Rhinos need to drink regularly and are often found near rivers, lakes, or watering holes. They frequently wallow in mud or water to help regulate body temperature and protect themselves from parasites.

Best Locations: Rhinos can be found in Southern and Eastern Africa, particularly in countries like South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. They are typically found in national parks and reserves, where they are protected from poaching and have access to ample food and water.

Tracks and Trails: Rhino tracks are large, with round, almost circular hoofprints. Both black and white rhinos leave deep impressions in the soil or mud, especially when moving through wet areas. You can often find them on game trails or near waterholes.

Signs: Look for signs of feeding, such as stripped branches or areas where the grass has been grazed down to the ground. Rhinos also leave large piles of dung, often in prominent areas to mark their territory.

Hunting Time

Ideal Hunting Times: Early morning and late afternoon – Rhinos are most active during these cooler parts of the day, feeding and drinking. They tend to rest in the heat of midday, often wallowing in mud or water.

Breeding Season: Rhinos breed year-round, though some seasonal peaks in mating activity may occur. The female’s gestation period lasts about 15–16 months, one of the longest in the animal kingdom. The female typically gives birth to a single calf, which stays with her for several years before becoming independent.

Trophy Quality: Trophy hunters primarily seek mature male rhinos, especially those with large, well-formed horns. The size and curvature of the horn, as well as the overall condition of the animal, are considered key factors in trophy quality.

Use of Scent Lures: Scent lures are not commonly used in rhino hunting. Instead, tracking and patience are essential. Hunters often use techniques like approaching watering holes where rhinos are likely to drink, especially during the early morning or late afternoon hours.