🔒 Closed TOP 3 FACTS ABOUT BLACK RHINOS

[Beatriz9]

1. THERE ARE 3 LIVING MEMBERS OF THE BLACK RHINOCEROS FAMILY​

Black rhinos are currently listed as critically endangered species, and only 3 subspecies now exist:

1. Eastern black rhino Diceros bicornis michaeli
2. Southern Central black rhino Diceros bicornis minor
3. South Western black rhino Diceros bicornis bicornis

Rhino poaching is still one of the biggest threats to the Black rhinoceros, as well as to other African rhinos. The western black rhino, a subspecies, was declared extinct in 2011 as a direct consequence of poaching and the îllégâl wildlife trade.

2. THEY LIKE PLUCKING THEIR FOOD​

Black rhinos are mostly browsers, unlike white rhinos who mainly feed on short grass on the ground using their square upper lip. In contrast, black rhinos have a unique looking, pointy upper lip, which they use to grasp and pluck food from trees, bushes and shrubs.

3. DID SOMEONE CALL FOR A SPECIALIST CLEANER?​

Black rhinos have developed a special, mutualistic relationship with different bird species, including oxpeckers and egrets. This cooperative behaviour is a common feature of African wildlife, where the cleaner birds can be seen hitching a ride and feeding on ticks, parasites and insects on rhinos’ skin. And the armoured giants generally tolerate them for their cleaning service.

(s)orgUK