Schouteden, H., 1927. Les rhinoceros congolais. Revue Zoologique Africaine (Bulletin du Cercle Zoologique Congolais) 4 (1): 19-30, figs. 1-3
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| Location: |
World |
| Subject: |
Taxonomy - Taxa |
| Species: |
African Rhino Species |
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The two African species differ in morphological and biological characteristics, and in their habitat.
A. Morphological characteristics
1. In the black rhino, the muzzle is longer and the lip extended. In the white rhino the muzzle is truncated and the upper lip does not extend in the middle.
2. The nostril of the black rhino is rounded, that of the white is like an elongated split.
3. The ear of the black rhino is round on top, and open almost down to the base.
The ear of the white rhino is more elongated, pointed on top, and the sides grow together towards the base, forming a cylinder.
4. The head of the black rhino is less elongated, and the eye is placed near the axis of the second horn. The head of the white rhino is much elongated, and the eye is placed more behind the horn.
5. The horn of the black rhino is regularly rounded in front and in cross section it is elliptical. The horn of the white rhino is flattened anteriorly, which is seen especially clearly at the base of the horn; the cross section is trianguylar or trepezoidal.
6. The skull of the black rhino, which is shorter, has the nasal bones retrenched and rounded in front. The skull of the black rhino is elongated and has the nasal bones cut and truncated in front.
7. The molars of the black rhino has a flat surface.
Differences of horns
Even isolated horns can be identified quite easily, simply by touching them. Often, while in the Congo, I was able to tell, with eyes closed, by putting the horn in my hand, if the horn was from a white or a black rhino. That simple contact gives the same perception as a regular cross-section, either elliptical (black) or triangular (white).
B. Biological characteristics
1. The white rhino eats grass, and the form of the lip is adapted to this kind of food.
The black rhino eats various plants including branches of trees. His extended upper lip makes it possible for him to break the twigs off.
2. The white rhino lives on grassy areas, always near water.
The black rhino lives in all savannah country, even dry places.
3. The white rhino walks with his head down, the nose near the soil.
The black rhino raises his head when walking through the savannah.
4. The young white rhino walk in front of their mother, those of the black follow.
5. The white rhino is more peaceful and shows less nervosity than the black.
6. The white rhino deposits its dung in the same place, which often becomes quite big heaps.
The black rhino never returns to the same place to defecate.
C. Habitat
Different places of distribution.
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Les rhinoceros congolais
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