Top 5 facts about Black Rhinos
Discover more about the Black Rhino, the issues and threats they are facing, and what you can do to help.


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:
- Eastern black rhino Diceros bicornis michaeli
- Southern Central black rhino Diceros bicornis minor
- 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 illegal 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.

4. An afternoon siesta? Anyone?
During the hottest parts of the day, the temperature in rhino habitats such as the Mau-Mara Serengeti can get a bit uncomfortable for black rhinos. This is when rhinos are usually the least active, snoozing or seeking shade under large rocks and trees, or wallowing in shallow mud pools or dust. They resume their activity once the temperature drops and becomes cooler at night and during early mornings.

5. They are quite vocal regardless of having thick skin
Besides scent markings, black rhinos have other ways of communicating or conveying their emotions. They growl and make ‘trumpet calls’ when engaging with rivals. They snort to express anger and make sneeze-like calls when sensing danger. They make a high-pitched ‘wonk’ when they become scared, which turns into a scream when terrified. And black rhinos usually curl their tails when fleeing to safety.

Our work with Rhinos
We fund rhino conservation across East Africa, particularly the monitoring and protection of black rhino populations. In Kenya we support rhino surveys, equipment and infrastructure, such as watchtowers and ranger accommodation in key rhino ranges. We also support training such as rhino monitoring courses, and efforts to help improve ranger welfare.
We work with government agencies and partners including TRAFFIC to tackle all aspects of wildlife crime, from poaching, trafficking and buying.
And to ensure they can thrive in the future, we're helping develop collaborative rhino conservation strategies, and supporting research to enable populations to grow.
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