Black Rhino / Hook-lipped Rhino

Afrikaans name: Swart Renoster

Black Rhino or Hook-lipped Rhino

Photo © Steven Herbert

Diceros bicornis

Interesting facts about Black Rhinos

South Africa is home to both the White and Black Rhino although the White Rhino is far more common.

Black Rhinos are not commonly seen. They stick to thick bush and are renowned for their short-tempered nature. They even fight each other sometimes ending in injury or death.

Another, more accurate name, for the Black Rhino is the Hook-lipped Rhino.

Black Rhinos are smaller than White. Adults weigh up to 1,400 kg. The horns are also shorter. Click the link for more information on the differences between Black and White Rhinos.

Normally Black Rhino occur singly but females may be seen with their calves. Small groups may be seen on occasion.

Black Rhinos eat branches, shoots, plants and fruit.

The gestation period for a Black Rhino is 15 to 16 months. Females keep their calves for 2 to 3 years and will also only give birth every two and a half to 5 years.

These large mammals can live up to 50 years.

Photo © Steven Herbert

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References and further reading

African Wildlife - A photographic safari - Author: Nigel and Wendy Dennis - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 28

An Introduction to the Larger Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Joanna Dalton - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 168

Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 6

Chris and Tilde Stuart's Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 1988 - Page: 172

Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 1997 - Page: 76

Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 2001 - Page: 172

Field Guide to the Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. de V. Pienaar et al. - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 102

Kruger National Park Questions and Answers - Author: P.F. Fourie - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 189

Kruger National Park, Visitor's Map - Author: - Year Published: 1996 - Page: 2

Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 138

Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillier - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 71

Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Year Published: 1980 - Page: 72

Questions and Answers - Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Year Published: 1990 - Page: 7

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 414

Signs of the Wild - 3rd Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 129

Signs of the Wild - 5th Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Year Published: 1996 - Page: 128

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 218

List of South African Mammals