Diceros bicornis Shoulder height 160cm. Weight 1,000kg.
This is the more widespread of Africa's two rhino species, an imposing and rather temperamental creature. Black rhino were once found all over northern Botswana, but were thought to have been poached to extinction in Botswana, whilst becoming highly endangered in many other countries within their range.

Black rhino exploit a wide range of habitats from dense woodlands and bush, and are generally solitary animals. They can survive without drinking for 4–5 days. However, their territorial behaviour and regular patterns of movement make them an easy target for poachers. Black rhino can be very aggressive when disturbed and will charge with minimal provocation. Their hearing and sense of smell are acute, whilst their eyesight is poor (so they often miss if you keep a low profile and don't move).

Now, following the successful reintroduction of white rhino to Chief's Island, there are plans to reintroduce black rhino here also. The environment is very suitable, and the island is effectively isolated within a large area devoted to wildlife; so it is hoped that poaching them from here would be difficult.