Main Difference – White vs Black Rhino
Rhinoceros or rhinos are among the largest and the most powerful terrestrial animal on Earth. White rhino and black rhino are the two living species native to the African continent. They are considered as Africa’s most endangered mammals due to extensive hunting for their horns, which are made up of keratin. The horns of rhinos are mainly used for ornamental and medicinal purposes. Both males and females possess a pair of horns, which is mainly used as an effective weapon. Other than humans, rhinos have no other natural enemies. They are herbivores and have very poor eyesight. Nevertheless, their sense of smell and hearing are very well developed. The difference between white and black rhino cannot be explained by their body colors. Both species have thick greyish-brown skin color. The most prominent physical difference is the shape of their mouth. White rhinos have a broad mouth with flat lips, which are used for grazing, whereas black rhinos have long, prehensile, pointed lips, which are used for browsing. This is the main difference between white and black rhino. More differences will be covered in this article.
White Rhino – Facts, Characteristics, and Behavior
White rhinos are grazers and are characterized by the presence of broad mouth with flat lips. Other than that, they have elongated head that enables them to reach the ground easily. Mature white rhinos are larger than mature black rhinos. An adult white rhino can weigh between 2000-2300 kg. White rhinos are usually social animals, creating cow-calf group numbering up to 10 members. White rhinos are also known as the square-lipped rhinos.
Black Rhino – Facts, Characteristics, and Behavior
Black rhinos are smaller than white rhinos, weighing between 800-1200 kg. They are characterized by the presence of elongated, prehensile, narrow lips adapted for browsing. Moreover, their concave back and upward-pointing horns are unmistakable. They prefer to live in open scrub lands. Black rhinos are solitary mammals and extremely territorial. They are aggressive and attack suddenly when they are in danger.
Difference Between White and Black Rhino
Size
White rhino male can reach 2300 kg.
Black rhino male can reach 1100 kg.
Shape of the mouth
White rhinos have a wide mouth with square shaped, flat lips.
Black rhinos have a long, pointed, prehensile lips.
Ears
White rhinos have pointed ears.
Black rhinos have rounded ears.
Shape of the body
White rhinos have a flattish back with a bump near the middle of the body.
Black rhinos have a concave back.
Shape of the head
White rhinos have an elongated head, usually bent downward.
Black rhinos have a round head, usually bent upward.
Horn
White rhinos have larger horns, and the front line is always longer than the rear one.
Black rhinos have smaller horns and either front or rear one can be longer.
Gestation period
White rhinos have a longer gestation period. (16 months)
Black rhinos have a slightly shorter gestation period. (15-15.5 months)
Aggressiveness
White rhinos are not aggressive.
Black rhinos are aggressive and very dangerous than white rhinos.
Feeding pattern and habitat
White rhinos are grazers, and they prefer open grasslands.
Black rhinos are browsers, and they prefer open bushveld.
Tail shape when alarmed
White rhinos curl their tail.
Black rhinos keep their tail straight.
Status
White rhinos are threatened, but well protected by captive breeding.
Black rhinos are highly endangered.
Image Courtesy:
“White Rhino” by By Derek Keats from Johannesburg, South Africa – White Rhino,(CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
“Black Rhino” by Derek Keats from Johannesburg, South Africa – Black rhino running in this direction. (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
