Black Rhino Behavior

The black rhino is a large African mammal found in just a few isolated areas of the continent. Growing over 12 feet in length and weighing over 3,000 pounds, it is one of the planet's largest land mammals. The endangered status of the animal means that it has been well studied both physically and behaviorally in order to best know how to protect the species.

  1. Social Behavior

    • The black rhinos generally live a solitary lifestyle, although in rare cases small groups of females without calves can be found together. To mark territories, the rhinos leave their feces in large mounds to indicate their presence. Males will actually rub their feet in the feces so as to spread their scent as they walk around. When females meet it is generally a calm situation with just a few inquisitive shoves. Males fight aggressively, with the smaller, weaker individuals generally being driven off.

    Feeding Behavior

    • The black rhino tends to eat and drink during the early morning or evening and rest in shade or cooling mud wallows in the heat of the day. It is a grazer that wanders slowly in search of woody shrubs, small trees, grasses and legumes. Acacia plant life is especially prominent in the animal's diet, as are plants from the euphorbiaceae family. The animal eats what it can reach from the ground but will also use its horns to break branches its mouth cant reach. An adult rhino can eat up to 52 pounds of vegetation each day.

    Breeding Behavior

    • When a female begins to come into season, a male will follow her for a week or two before breeding takes place. The female often travels with the most recent offspring who usually stays with its mother for as long as three years. When it is almost time to breed, the male starts to show off to the female walking with a stiff legged gait and scraping his horns along the ground. The male starts to try and mount the female, but until ready, she will turn and attack him. Eventually, when the time is right, the female will accept the male's advances.

    Predator Defense

    • Other than humans who may illegally shoot them, adult rhinos have little to fear from predators. Even so, rhinos are aggressive when they perceive a threat and charge predators, using sharp horns as potential weapons. Most charges are just threats and do not result in contact as long as the predator leaves. The rhinos have poor eyesight but hear and smell relatively well. These senses allow the black rhino to quickly perceive a threat.