very rare or perhaps extinct.
occasional individual or tracks seen
Occasional individual or tracks seen.
Range prior to 1900 is unknown. There are a few reports of their occurrence, but only one difinite locality report dating from 1911. It is possible that they may have extended right across northern Nigeria. On a map, Rosevear (1953) indicated their occurrence in three areas between Yola, maiduguri and Gombe. Hayward (1932) recorded rhinos from the junction of Bornu, Adamawa and Bauchi Provinces. These old records show that black rhino were widespread but local and uncommon throughout NE Nigeria in the early years of this century, but now it is most unlikely that any rhinos permanently reside in Nigeria.
Hayward (1932) recorded rhinos from the junction of Bornu, Adamawa and Bauchi Provinces. These old records show that black rhino were widespread but local and uncommon throughout NE Nigeria in the early years of this century, but now it is most unlikely that any rhinos permanently reside in Nigeria.
Specimen in British Museum from Dumgo (=? Dumga).
Collier (1940) confirmed that few rhino lived near the Gongola River and that once they were found north of Ogoja, which is much further south and west than other records.
Collier (1940) confirmed that few rhino lived near the Gongola River and that once they were found north of Ogoja, which is much further south and west than other records.
Hayward (1932) recorded rhinos from the junction of Bornu, Adamawa and Bauchi Provinces. These old records show that black rhino were widespread but local and uncommon throughout NE Nigeria in the early years of this century, but now it is most unlikely that any rhinos permanently reside in Nigeria.
Hayward (1932) recorded rhinos from the junction of Bornu, Adamawa and Bauchi Provinces. These old records show that black rhino were widespread but local and uncommon throughout NE Nigeria in the early years of this century, but now it is most unlikely that any rhinos permanently reside in Nigeria.
Eyes small
Flat, almost circular, feet.
Large round nostrils
Skin naked.
Ears trumpet-shaped and erect
Lips rounded and fleshy.
Gestation period. 17-18 months
rhinos can run extremely quickly, but their usual gait is a sedate walk as they browse among the shrubs.
Flat, almost circular, feet.
The well-known accounts of unpredictable charges by rhinos are, more often than not, a fright reaction to something they cannot see, rather than a premeditated attack.
Tail short and thin.
Skin grey
Three broad nails on each foot.
Large round nostrils
Limbs thickset. Limbs of West African subspecies longer and thinner than in other subspecies.
Skin naked.
Home ranges are relatively small. In East Africa, 15-36 km? has been recorded, although they may walk up to 24 km to a waterhole or river to drink. Home ranges overlap, so that each solitary individual meets other familiar rhinos quite frequently. When an unknown rhino enters the home range of a resident, there is often chasing, charging and fighting until the intruder leaves.
Mostly nocturnal, but they also feed and drink during the day except during the hottest hours when they rest in the shade of trees, or wallow in mud to keep cool. Their activity patterns vary depending on the air temperature, season and locality.
Rather solitary, usually seen singly or in pairs, and it is rare to see more than 5 individuals together. Males only associate with females for mating, and most pairs or groups are mothers with young.
The West African subspecies is longipes, distinguished by its smaller size and longer limbs from black rhinos of other parts of Africa.
Tail short and thin.
Skin grey
Ears trumpet-shaped and erect
Eyes small
Weight 900-1300 kg
Height at shoulders 146 cm
Limbs thickset. Limbs of West African subspecies longer and thinner than in other subspecies.
Lips rounded and fleshy.
Three broad nails on each foot.
Length of tail 60-70 cm
Females produce young every 3-4 years. The long period between births may be a self-regulation process to prevent overpopulation, but it also means that if the population is reduced, it takes many years to increase again.
Maturity is attained at 5-7 years.
Weaning occurs at about 2 years, but young rhinos remain with their mother for several years even after the birth of subsequent young.
Length of body 360 cm
