306 | Save the White and the Black Rhino

CONSERVATION

306
Save the White and the Black Rhino

Originally rhino roamed all over Africa but conflict with man changed the situation rapidly. While in the early 1960s still many thousands of rhino dwelled in Africa, human encroachment into rhino habitat and poaching led to a drastic reduction in numbers. In order to supply two main markets, the traditional oriental medicine market and the market in Yemen, where rhino horn is used to make traditional dagger handles (djambiya), the poaching on a commercial scale escalated.
Today saving every single rhino has become essential. Everybody can do his/her bit by supporting worthy organizations throughout Africa that focus on rhino conservation.
And it seems that there is hope, because in the southern part of Africa conservation efforts have resulted in a rise in the numbers of Black and White Rhino.

The main differences between the two African rhino species are:
White Rhino
- Large size (up to 2 400 kg)
- Large square lip
- Long head
- Ears long and pointed
- Straight back
- Grazes on open grassy habitat
- Calf usually runs in front of mother
- Dung contains grass only
- Back of footprint has indentation

Black Rhino
- Small size (up to 1 400 kg)
- Hooked, pointed upper lip
- Short head
- Ears short and round
- Hollow back
- Browses in dense vegetation
- Calf usually runs behind mother
- Dung contains sticks, twigs and
  leaves
- Back of footprint is rounded