Black rhinoceros - Ecology & habitat

Males may kill each other while courting a female

Black rhinos are present in habitats ranging from desert in south-western Africa to montane forests in Kenya, mainly in grassland-forest transition zones. The species is usually restricted to areas within about 25 km of water sources.

Social Structure
Adult black rhinos are mostly solitary, although they may form groups of 12 individuals. Mother and daughters may stay together for long periods of time, while females that do not have offspring join a neighbouring female.

Conflict usually arises when outsiders enter an area already utilized by a clan. During courtship, conflicts over a female may result in the death of one of the competing males.

Life Cycle
Black rhino calves begin to wean at about 2 months of age. Although females reach sexual maturity at 4-5 years, they do not have their first calf until they are 6.5 or 7 years old. Males need to wait until they are 10-12 years old before they can claim a territory and mate. Black rhinos may reach 40-50 years of age.

Breeding
Breeding is reported to occur throughout the year. The gestation period is between 419 and 478 days, with an average interval of two and half to three and a half years between calves.

Diet
The black rhino feeds on woody twigs and legumes, and a wide variety of plant species, with a predilection for acacias. When water is available the rhino will drink every day. Mineral licks are visited regularly.