BLACK RHINOCEROS

Dark Diamonds: The Precious Black Rhinos of Tanzania

Deep in the vast wilderness of Tanzania, where ancient landscapes stretch toward distant horizons, roams one of Africa's most iconic yet endangered treasures—the black rhinoceros. Today, Tanzania stands as one of the last strongholds for the critically endangered black rhino. Once abundant across the African continent, these remarkable animals now find refuge in protected areas like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mkomazi National Park. Each rhino represents not just an individual animal, but a vital thread in Tanzania's rich ecological tapestry—a living testament to both nature's resilience and its vulnerability.

Scientific Name: Diceros bicornis

Conservation Status

IUCN Status: Critically Endangered (International Trade Prohibited)

Population: 5,630 remaining in the wild

Historic Range: Once widespread across sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal and Somalia to South Africa

Current Range: Now limited to protected areas in eastern and southern Africa

Main Threats: Poaching, habitat loss, genetic limitations due to small populations

Success Stories: Population increase of 16.2% over past 5 years in protected reserves

Social Structure

Social Organization: Primarily solitary, except for mothers with calves

Territory

Males (bulls) maintain territories of 1-3 sq mi (2.6-7.8 sq km)
Territories marked with dung piles, urine spraying, and scraping
Bulls tolerate females but aggressively defend against rival males
Dominant males have larger territories with better resources
Highly territorial and may display aggressive defensive behaviors when threatened

Female Ranges:

Females (cows) maintain overlapping home ranges (5.8-14.7 sq km)
Related females may have more range overlap
Young females often establish ranges near their mothers

Hierarchy:

Males establish dominance through confrontations
Subordinate males become "browsers" without territories
Older males eventually lose territories to younger rivals

Main Populations: South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania

Communication

Vocalizations: snorts, sneezes, grunts, and puffing sounds
Scent marking along paths and boundaries
Ear positioning signals mood and intentions

Daily Routine

Most active during early morning, late afternoon, and night
Rest during the hottest parts of the day in shaded areas
Regular visits to water sources (every 2-4 days)
Uses the same paths repeatedly, creating networks through habitat

Black Rhinoceros Identification

Appearance: Dark gray to brown (not black)

Size

Males (Bulls): Height: 5.2-5.5 ft (1.6-1.7 m) at shoulder, Length: 3.3-3.8 m (10.8-12.5 ft), Horn Size: Front horn 0.7-1.3 m (28-51 inches), and Weight: 2,200-3,080 lbs (1,000-1,400 kg)

Females (Cows): Height: 1.4-1.6 m (4.6-5.2 ft) at shoulder, Length: 3-3.3 m (9.8-10.8 ft), Horn Size: Front horn 0.5-1.0 m (20-39 inches), and Weight: 800-1,100 kg (1,760-2,425 lbs)

Distinctions: Hooked upper lip (prehensile), two horns, no prominent neck folds

Sexual Dimorphism: Bulls larger and heavier than cows, with typically longer horns

Reproduction & Calves

Gestation Period: 15-16 months (450-480 days)
Birth Weight: 35-45 kg (77-99 lbs)
Nursing Period: 18-24 months
Sexual Maturity: Females 5-7 years, Males 7-10 years
Calving Interval: 2.5-3.5 years

Calf Characteristics:

Born without horns (horn buds visible within a few weeks)
Grayish-pink skin at birth, darkening with age
Follows behind mother (unlike white rhino calves that run ahead)
More rounded appearance with less defined muscles
Very dependent on mother, staying close for protection
Playful behavior, especially during cooler parts of the day

With Hii Ni Afrika Safaris, encountering a black rhinoceros becomes an intimate journey beyond mere photography. Our expert guides track these elusive creatures through subtle signs invisible to untrained eyes. What distinguishes our approach is profound respect for wildlife and conservation commitment. Vehicles position strategically, minimizing disturbance while maximizing viewing.

Guides identify individual rhinos by name, sharing their personal histories.