Of the two rhino species found in Africa, the black rhino is smaller and less common. Its structure, diet, and attitude set it apart from the larger white rhino. However, it is no more “black” than its white relative. The mud in which they wallow gives both species their color, which ranges from brown to grey.

Five Intriguing Black Rhino Facts

Because of its prehensile top lip, which it uses to grasp the woody plant stems it feeds on, this species is also known as the “hook-lipped rhino.” In contrast, the white rhino uses its square jaw for grazing.
Eight different regional subspecies of black rhino have been recognized by scientists. Only three—the eastern, south-central, and south-western—remain viable populations, while the other three are already extinct.

By 1900, there were hundreds of thousands of black rhinos in Africa; by 2000, that number had fallen to less than 2,500. The cause was unregulated hunting, initially for trophies and then to supply the profitable market for its horn. Most of this took place in the Middle East and China. There are currently about 4,300 of the species left, and it is considered Critically Endangered.

Of all the mammal species, the black rhino has the greatest documented battle death rate. Roughly half of men die in combat.
Despite their ungainly appearance, black rhinos are capable of running at speeds of up to 56 kph, turning quickly, and using their horns so well that they can hit a tennis ball thrown at them.