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RHINO
Extinction by greed
BHEJANE (Zulu) -
White Rhino - square lipped
Black Rhino - hook lipped
Rhino species have been on the brink of extinction. In 1920 WHITE RHINO were reduced to perhaps one hundred. Strict conservation successfully reversed the situation in South Africa but these great animals are still under constant threat from poachers.
The BLACK RHINO is the smaller of the two species. It used to browse on the slopes of Table Mountain but natural populations now occur only much further north. It is notoriously bad - tempered and has been known to charge vehicles. The WHITE RHINO was greatly endangered and attempts to rescue the species gained international support. Along with the BLACK RHINO it is still cruelly poached for its horn which brings immense sums of money in Yemen where it is used for making ceremonial knife handles. It is also eagerly sought in the Far East where it is used for its supposed aphrodisiac powers.
HORN RECORD LENGTH
WHITE RHINO 158cm - BLACK RHINO 105cm. The WHITE RHINO is more placid and less dangerous than the BLACK RHINO. As an adult THE WHITE RHINO has no natural predator other than man.
DETAIL
BLACK RHINO (Dicoros bicornis) Browser. Adult male mass 850kg. Shoulder height 1,6cm. WHITE RHINO (Ceratotherium simum) Grazer. Adult male mass 2300kg. Shoulder height 1.8m. Original name was WYDT RHINO referring to the width of the mouth.
