Both African rhinoceros species protect their skin with mud. Also note the water line and mud on their bodies. These rhino have square mouths perfect for grazing on grass they are white rhinos. Ironically, the oxpecker birds that live with the rhinos and eat their parasites contribute to the open sores by continually aggravating the lesions so they cannot heal. They are very susceptible to a type of parasite that is carried by flies that feed on the skin causing weeping sores usually on the base of the neck and shoulders. Less easy to spot is the difference in their ear shapes, which is a little pointier on the white rhino and a little rounder on the black.įilariasis: Unfortunately for the animal, if you spot bloody or oozing lesions on its body, it is probably a black rhino. The black rhino does not have the hump and their backs are concave. The white rhino’s head is bigger and they have a huge muscle that forms a hump at their back to hold it up. All spend much of the daytime wallowing in mud as protection for their sensitive skin, but the Asian species also swim, in fact the greater one horned or Indian rhino is considered semi-aquatic. The Asian species live in wetter habitats, subtropical to tropical forests and grasslands, while the African rhinoceros species prefer dryer savannah or woodland ranges. They fight with their horns, impaling their opponents while Asian rhinoceros fight with their teeth. The two species of African and three species of Asian rhinoceros all share many of the same characteristics, however, African rhinos are more aggressive than their Asian cousins. Differences Between African and Asian Rhinoceros? Found only in Ujun-Kulon National Park, Java, Indonesia. Greater one-horned or Indian rhinoceros: Rhinoceros unicornis. IUCN Red List: Vulnerable. Found on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo Update: 7/2018 According to recent studies the "official" number is 100 but researchers feel there may be as few as 30 left in the wild and declining.Ģ. Sumatran rhinoceros: Dicerorhinus sumatrensis. Home range size varies greatly, depending on the habitat and to some extent on sex and age.There are three Asian rhinoceros species:ġ. Males are usually solitary and territorial but do join up with known individuals in its territory including other males. Sexual Maturity Females at 4 to 7 years Males at 7 to 10 years SOCIAL STRUCTURE Adult females have overlapping ranges and hence are not as solitary as is commonly portrayed. Birth intervals of a single calf, every 2.5 to 4 years. Longevity 30-35 years in the wild 35-45+ years in captivity GESTATION Gestation period is approximately 15 to 16 months. As an adaptation for browsing, the upper lip is prehensile and is the species' most distinguishing characteristic. it consumes leaves and branches of shrubs and trees. Ecology The black rhino is a browser, i.e. undefined Subspecies 4 HABITAT The black rhino lives in Africa, primarily in grasslands, savannahs and tropical bushlands. The rear (posterior) horn is smaller and measures 2 to 55 cm long. The front, larger (anterior) measures 0.5 - 1.3 m long. bicornis (south western subspecies), D.b.minor (south eastern subspecies and D.b.michaeli (east African subspecies) Diceros from the Greek di, meaning 'two' and ceros, meaning 'horn' bicornis from the Latin bi, meaning 'two' and cornis, meaning 'horn' POPULATION 3,610 HABITAT Grasslands, savannahs and tropical bushlands in Africa Weight 800 - 1,350 kg Height 1.4 - 1.7 m tall at shoulder Length 3.0-3.8m length of head and body Horn Two. © Roger de la Harpe Black Rhino Diceros bicornisģ surviving subspecies D.b.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |