In the early 1990s the number dipped below 2500 and in 1995 it was reported that only 2,410 black rhinos remained. During the latter half of the 20th century their number severely reduced from an estimated 70,000 in the late 1960s to only 10,000 to 15,000 in 1981. Around 1900 there were probably several hundred thousand living in Africa. The lifespan for black rhinos is between 25 to 40 years but they can live up to 50 years in captivity.įor most of the 20th century the black rhino was the most numerous of all rhino species. Generally, females produce calves every two to three years. The young are a favorite target of hyenas and lions. A new born (calf) averages 85 pounds (38 kg) after a 15-16 month gestation period, and can follow its mother around after just three days. Mating does not have a seasonal pattern but live births tend to be towards the end of the rainy season in drier environments. The females mature between four and six years of age while the males take a little longer, between seven and nine years. Their skin harbors many external parasites, which are eaten by tickbirds and egrets that live with the rhino. Their diet helps to reduce the amount of woody plants which results in more grasses growing for the benefit of other animals. The black rhinoceros is a herbivorous browser that eats leafy plants, branches, shoots, thorny wood bushes and fruit. The animal's nearsightedness seems to urge the rhino to charge first and investigate later.
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