That impressive Black rhino is drinking at the waterhole at night, also showing its reflection in the water. You see in this B&W fine art photograph the water reflecting with different light on the rhino’s body. The Black rhino is an endangered animal and belongs to the most famous African wildlife. It is rare to spot an elusive Black rhino in these days.
Undoubtedly, due to poaching, these excellent animals are critically endangered, and only a few are left in the wild. People pay money for rhino horns as they believe they can use it for medicine. What a fairytale! Even though, there exists no evidence to support that at all. It is the same material as your fingernails. Unfortunately, it still does not stop poachers or its end users, which should know better in this modern world today! We, humans, do not need rhino horns, but the rhinos do.
The Difference Between Black and White Rhino
The way you can tell the difference between a Black and a White rhino is by the shape of their mouths. A White rhino has a wider mouth. When the Dutch settlers first came to Africa, they named them “Weid mond rhino,” which means “wide-mouthed rhino.” Comparatively, the Black rhino has smaller, hook-shaped lips. That is because they are browsers, not grazers.
The hook-shaped lips allow them to grab leaves and fruit off of branches. You will often find a Black rhino drinking at a waterhole alone as they are solitary. Black rhinos feed during the night and the times of dusk and dawn. The Black rhino, like the white, has very poor eyesight. To make up for it, they have an incredible sense of smell to detect danger.
The Black Rhino, Diceros bicornis, is in category critically endangered on the IUCN red list.
Explore more wildlife photographs from Africa. Please view our African Wildlife Photography portfolio. In our wildlife and landscape photography portfolios, you can purchase a stock photo license and fine art prints as wall art online. More nature black and white photography you can explore in my gallery.
Ruth Koprek –
Stunning photograph. It must have been so satisfying taking this shot. Good on you.
Anette Mossbacher –
Thank you very much, Ruth. Indeed it is always great to see these endangered animals.
Ciao Anette
Stefan S. –
The elusive black rhino, so wonderful this black and white photo.
Anette Mossbacher –
Thank you very much, Stefan. Black rhinos are not easy to find. These days they are rare animals, sadly.