South-western black rhinoceros

Appearance

The south-western black rhino, like all black rhino subspecies, has a distinct prehensile lip and is a browser. Its appearance is similar to other subspecies, the most important difference to them is a relatively broad head behind the eyes and minor features in the dentition. Other characters often mentioned, like body size or the straightness and size of the horns, are subject to individual variation. They also are most adapted to arid habitat and can be found in arid savanna and desert climates.

Distribution

Historically, this subspecies once roamed in Angola, and Namibia, but their current range has decreased. The stronghold of the species is primarily in Namibia. One to four specimens have been reported from Angola and others were introduced to South Africa. The total population is increasing and numbered to 1,920 animals in 2010, with 55.8% adults. Poaching due to increasing horn prices is considered the main threat to the population

Status

The IUCN considers the living northern Namibian black rhino populations to belong to the subspecies ''D. bicornis bicornis'', and does not recognize a separate ''D. b. occidentalis''. This synonymy, based upon du Toit was, however, considered erroneous by Groves and Grubb , and ''D. b. occidentalis'' was re-established as a valid subspecies. As all southernmost populations of black rhinoceros were exterminated by the mid-19th century, ''D. b. bicornis'' is completely extinct today.

Predators

Historically, this subspecies once roamed in Angola, and Namibia, but their current range has decreased. The stronghold of the species is primarily in Namibia. One to four specimens have been reported from Angola and others were introduced to South Africa. The total population is increasing and numbered to 1,920 animals in 2010, with 55.8% adults. Poaching due to increasing horn prices is considered the main threat to the population