FACTS
Swahili Name: Faru
Scientific Name: Black (Diceros bicornis)
Size: About 150 cm at the shoulder
Weight: 800-1400kg
Lifespan: 35 to 40 years
Habitat: Grassland and open savannas
Diet: Vegetarian
Gestation: 16 months
Predators: Humans
History
The rhinoceros is a large, primitive-looking mammal that dates the Miocene era millions of years ago. In recent decades rhinos have been hunted to the point of near extinction. Since 1970 the world rhino population has declined by 90 percent, with five species remaining in the world today and all of them are endangered.
Description
Eastern black rhinoceroses stand up to 12 feet long and five feet high at the shoulder. They weigh up to 1400 kg. This species has two horns made up of fibrous keratin. The forward is horn larger, groing up to 70cm. Their coat colour varies with soil colour, since these animals sit in the mud to stay cool. The black rhino, along with all other rhino species, is an odd-toed ungulate (three toes on each foot). It has a thick, hairless, gray hide.