Black rhino - description, habitat, lifestyle

In today's article, we will study a representative of the rhinoceros family. He is ranked among the equidae, is distinguished by its external characteristics and behavior. There are many varieties of rhinos, but we will consider the black representative. If you translate the name from Latin, it will sound like "nose, horn." Individuals are characterized by a special structure, as a result of which a certain elongation, or even several, is visible from the nasal bone. But we will not run ahead, we will study the features in order.

Description and habitat

1. Rhinoceros means a large land mammal, which in its overall characteristics is second only to an elephant. Along the length of the hull, these individuals grow up to 2.5–5 m. With a height at the withers of about 1.5–3 m and a weight of about 1.3–3.5 tons. The name of the species reflects the color of the skin, in our case it is pigmented in black. However, individuals are brownish-gray, which may appear black under certain lighting conditions.
2. The rhinoceros skin quickly absorbs organic compounds from the soil. If the animal is gray-brown, then after felting in the ground it turns black. The head of the family is narrowed, the frontal part is lowered. There is a hollow between the nose and forehead, which is somewhat reminiscent of a saddle. Compared to the head, this type of mammal has very small eyes. They are pigmented with karim or black, the pupils are oval in shape. The upper eyelids are covered with thick dark cilia.
3. Representatives of the family have a well-developed sense of smell. They rely more on their nose than other organs. The volume of the nasal cavity exceeds the size of the brain. These animals are famous for their well-developed hearing. The structure of the ears resembles a tube that draws in even the quietest sounds. However, the vision of rhinos is disgusting, they do not rely on it. They can catch sharp movements, and stationary objects will bypass. Moreover, vision works only for 30 m. Since the eyes are located from the side sections of the head, these individuals first use one eye, then the other.
4. The upper lip is distinguished by its mobility, hanging over the lower. Jaws with an incomplete set of teeth, but very strong. There are no fangs, but each jaw is supplied with seven molars. They exude over the course of the life cycle. In the lower section there are sharp incisors. A distinctive characteristic of these mammals is the horn, it grows from the frontal or nasal bones. Usually there is a pair of growths pigmented in black or gray.
5. If young growth gets into a fight and damages the horn, it will recover over time. However, older individuals cannot count on such an outcome; their horn cannot be restored. Black members of the family have 2-5 horns. The limbs of rhinos are powerful, with three fingers. On each of them there is a small hoof. It is very easy to recognize a mammal by its prints, since they are similar to clover leaves. The skin is devoid of hair, but hairs may be present at the ends of the ears. The tail grows up to 70 cm in length, has a fine structure and ends with a hair brush.
6. Often, the individuals represented are in Tanzania, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, Kenya, the Republic of South Africa. They are also found in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi. Rhino like drought, they settle in a sparse flattering terrain, groves, steppe zones, shrubbery, savannas, deserts. They are found at an altitude of 2.5 km. above sea level. This species is on the verge of extinction, according to data, there are about 4860 individuals.

Nutrition

1. Animals prefer to stick to vegetarianism. They eat about 70 kg per day. food of plant origin. The basis of the diet is grass. Animals pluck her with powerful and moving lips, and also pick up fallen leaves. Some individuals are not indifferent to shoots of shrubs and trees. They can tear out acacia with roots, absorbing it in a huge amount.
2. A wedge-shaped lip is otherwise called a proboscis. She breaks off the twigs. These mammals like elephant grass, and they also eat aquatic vegetation and reed shoots. Sugarcane is considered a favorite treat; bamboo, figs and mangoes are consumed.
3. As for nutrition in captivity, when these representatives of the family are kept in the zoo, they are hayed and treated with fresh grass. Be sure to add vitamin complexes. In the food they add leaves and shoots.
4. The nutrition of giants can occur regardless of the time of day. Black species primarily feed in the morning and evening. As for the other rhinos, they can remain active both at night and during the day.
5. For a day, a huge animal can consume from 50 to 170 liters. water. Such indicators are highly dependent on the weather. During a drought, individuals are able to do without water for 4–5 days.

Lifestyle

1. Often, mammals prefer a solitary lifestyle. Such animals do not form a herd. Separately, it is worth mentioning the white rhinos, only they sometimes form small groups. As for the females, they almost always exist together with the offspring for some time.
2. Only in the mating season can heterosexual individuals be found together. Despite the fact that they prefer to lead a solitary lifestyle, these individuals in nature even have real friends. These are the birds - buffalo starlings. They constantly accompany rhinos and other ungulates.
3. Rhinos appreciate these small birds because they feed on ticks and other insects that climb onto their backs. Such birds warn large animals of imminent danger with a loud cry. In ancient times, such birds were even called rhino protectors.
4. Among other things, when giants begin to take baths, turtles also eat from their back ticks. In this way, they give the animals a huge favor. Rhinos themselves in the wild strictly monitor their own territory and protect it. One individual has its own plot with a reservoir and pasture.
5. Over the long years of life, the mammals in question trample their paths toward the ponds. In such places, animals take mud baths. African rhinos even have separate latrines. An impressive amount of manure has been accumulating on individuals for a long time. By this aroma they mark the limits of their own territory.
6. The considered individuals try to mark their own territory not only with manure, but also with odorous marks. So do the old males. Labeling bushes and grass with urine. Black rhinos are active in the early morning. In addition, they often lead the same way of life at night. At this time, they try to get as much food as possible.
7. In the daytime, rhinos prefer to sleep in the shade. They can doze on their side or stomach. Sometimes they spend this time in mud baths. It is worth noting that the giants have a very good dream, they completely forget about any danger. At this time, you can even sneak up on them. As for other species, they are active night and day.
8. It is noteworthy that the giants discussed are careful in everything. They do not seek to make contact with people, and once again they are wary of them. But if the rhinoceros feels the danger, he will attack first as a defense. Surprisingly, such animals can accelerate to 45 km / h. However, they will not be able to run for a long time.
9. The black species of rhinos has a greater temper. They quickly attack if something happens and it is simply impossible to stop them. The same cannot be said for white rhinos. They are more peaceful and calm. If a person feeds a cub with his hands, he will become completely tame.

Rhinos are an interesting species of animals. In the wild, such giants are best not to anger. Otherwise, you simply cannot be saved from an angry tank. Otherwise, they are peaceful and calm enough. The individuals kept in captivity remain quite friendly.

Video: Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis)