The Hook-lipped Unicorn!
The black rhinoceros, prehensile or hook-lipped rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) is a species of rhinoceros. The upper lip of the black rhino is adapted for feeding from trees and shrubs.
Black rhinos are not black. The species probably derives its name as a distinction from the white rhino and/or from the dark-colored local soil that covers its skin after wallowing in mud.
They have two horns, and occasionally a third, small posterior horn.
Populations of black rhino declined dramatically in the 20th century at the hands of European hunters and settlers. Between 1960 and 1995, black rhino numbers dropped by a sobering 98%, to less than 2,500. Since then, the species has made a tremendous comeback from the brink of extinction. Thanks to persistent conservation efforts across Africa, black rhino numbers have doubled from their historic low 20 years ago to around 5,600 today. However, the black rhino is still considered critically endangered, and a lot of work remains to bring the numbers up to even a fraction of what it once was - and to ensure that it stays there. Wildlife crime - in this case, poaching and black-market trafficking of rhino horn - continues to plague the species and threaten its recovery.
This magnificent black rhinoceros was photographed on an early morning game drive in the wild savannah plains of Africa.
The Hook-lipped Unicorn!
The black rhinoceros, prehensile or hook-lipped rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) is a species of rhinoceros. The upper lip of the black rhino is adapted for feeding from trees and shrubs.
Black rhinos are not black. The species probably derives its name as a distinction from the white rhino and/or from the dark-colored local soil that covers its skin after wallowing in mud.
They have two horns, and occasionally a third, small posterior horn.
Populations of black rhino declined dramatically in the 20th century at the hands of European hunters and settlers. Between 1960 and 1995, black rhino numbers dropped by a sobering 98%, to less than 2,500. Since then, the species has made a tremendous comeback from the brink of extinction. Thanks to persistent conservation efforts across Africa, black rhino numbers have doubled from their historic low 20 years ago to around 5,600 today. However, the black rhino is still considered critically endangered, and a lot of work remains to bring the numbers up to even a fraction of what it once was - and to ensure that it stays there. Wildlife crime - in this case, poaching and black-market trafficking of rhino horn - continues to plague the species and threaten its recovery.
This magnificent black rhinoceros was photographed on an early morning game drive in the wild savannah plains of Africa.