The Endangered and the Extinct Nov. 2013 | Página 4

Black Rhinos

The name Rhinoceros was first given by Carlos Linnaeus in 1758. In February 2013 it was calculated that there were 4,800 Black Rhinos left in the wild.

Black Rhinos are classified as critically endangered but unfortunate;y in 2011 the Western Black Rhinos were classifiied extinct. Black rhinos are Native to eastern and central Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, South Afric, Nimibia, Zimbabwe and Angola.

Black Rhinos once roamed over Sub-Saharan Africa, but now they are unfortunately at the verge of extinction. Black Rhinos are being killed mainly

because of their horns. China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore need their horns for medical uses.

Rhino horns are also valued in the Middle East and North Africa as a decorative dagger handle. With all these demands for the rhino horns, this species will soon be wiped out because of our needs.

Background Infomation

Rhinos are very important in the eco system because their dung enriches the soil; it also contains seeds, which can grow because it has its own fertilizer. Rhinos are large animals. They can walk into dense parts of a forest, creating paths for the small animals

They also dig to make wallows, where a pool of water can be stored. The water can be used by other species that need the water.

Male Rhinos use their horns to protect attackers like lions and other animals. Meanwhile Female Rhinos use their horns to protect their children.

Black Rhinos are smaller then the white rhinos, and they have a smaller head.

Black Rhinos are browsers, and they generally eat from trees or taller bushes.

The Black Rhinos have a hooked lip, while the white rhinos have a flat based lip, this characteristic

has something to do with their eating habit.

Black Rhinos have 2 horns. The anterior horn is longer then the posterior.

The colour of a Black Rhinos is usually dark yellow brown to dark brown or dark grey.

Characteristics

Consequences