The Rhinoceros is a truly fascinating creature, The Akagera National Park reintroduced black rhinos back to Rwanda in 2017 after the last rhino was seen in the Akagera National Park 10 years ago due to excessive poaching by hunters. The Rwandan government decided to locate the Rhinos back in Akagera National Park because it is the only safe Savannah region in the country.
The Rhinoceros belong to a taxonomic order called Perissodactyle or odd toed ungulates which makes them more closely related to the equids (Horses and Zebras) than the likes of Elephants or Hippopotamuses. The male rhino can reach a staggering 2,300 kg and measure 5.5 ft. Rhinos can feed on grass or being browsers that gorge on fruits and leaves attached to the bushes. Rhino gestation period is around 16 months and the young rhino stay behind the mother as a defense mechanism against predators.
The Rhinos are facing extinction due to highly poaching done by Hunters who are seeking their horns for different uses
Poaching of Rhinos have escalated in recent years with a growing demand in Asia countries for Rhino horn where the horns are being used in traditional medicine though horns are more commonly purchased as a status symbol of wealth and power as well as cultural purposes. The horn is made of keratin substance the same that makes up human hair and nails. the rhino horn is fetching prices of up to $ 100,000 per Kilogram.
The arrival of Black Rhinos from a South Africa Game Reserve: it's still surprising to learn that they are five species of Rhinos across the globe, where While the Javan, Sumatran and Greater one horned Rhinoceros span the Asian continent and Black and White Rhinoceros grace the plains and Savannah of Sub Saharan Africa.
Rwanda official has the big five game animals following the arrival of Rhinos in addition to Lions, Elephants, Leopard and African buffalo, if you are interested in safari, you may have heard of the big five term that means the five most difficult African species to track and hunt on foot. The Rhinos are massive and solitary. If conservation efforts don't work, the big five animals and other wild animals might vanish due to poaching activities. Take your step and protect the wild populations.
The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily of the scientific study
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