Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Black Rhinoceros


Black Rhinoceros - Diceros bicornis - Endangered African species - Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden


Phylum : Chordata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Perissodactyla
Suborder : Ceratomorpha
Family : Rhinocerotidae
Genus : Diceros
Species: Diceros bicornis
Protection status : Critically Endangered
Diet : Herbivore 
Habitat : Woodland and scrubland

Black Rhinos are found in Central and Southern Africa. They weigh between 2090 to 2870 lbs. Their height varies from 4.7 to 5.2 ft and live up to 40 years.

Black Rhinos feed on woody plants, herbs and fruits.

The most distinguishing feature of the rhino, the 2 horns are also the leading cause for their current precarious situation. The horns are highly priced by poachers, who acquire them to sell them at exorbitant rates to certain countries/cultures that use them in traditional medicine and/or high status dagger handles.


Black Rhinoceros - Diceros bicornis - Endangered African species - Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden



The simple fact remains that the horns are only made of tightly packed hair-like fibers (called Keratin). There is no scientific proof for the effectiveness of rhino horns to cure illness/disease(s).

Black Rhinos are one of the many critically endangered species on our planet and need active conservation on our part.

To learn more about rhino conservation and how you can contribute to saving these magnificent animals, please visit African Wildlife Foundation and International Rhino Foundation.

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Photos were taken at Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.

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11 comments:

  1. It is a real shame that superstitions is one of the causes of their poaching, similar to sharks being caught for their fins.

    -James

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    Replies
    1. Thanks James for stopping by.

      Man's superstitious beliefs and unreasonable demands have been the reason for the decline of a number of other species as well (including tigers and elephants).

      B2B.

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  2. A very worthy fight.
    Thanks for the update.

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  3. Great shots of the magnificent rhino.

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  4. Great shots of the black rhino!

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  5. Man's stupidity causes so many terrible things in this world. Your photos of this wonderful creature are awesome.

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  6. Love the rhinos, great post and critter!

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  7. Lovely shots and yes, what a great shame one day if there were no more of these stunning animals.

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  8. Such a beautiful animal! We have to protect it.

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  9. It PAINS me to see our POOR behavior.
    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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