A black rhinoceros stands and looks in the morning sun in Kenyas Masai Mara.

Alert Black Rhinoceros

Kenya, Africa

A wary black rhino stands out in the open and glares. Black rhinos are notoriously wary and with good reason. They once roamed throughout Africa in large numbers, but populations have been decimated by poachers supplying the illegal rhino horn trade. They have been hunted to extinction in many areas. Aggressive efforts are underway to prevent the further loss of these once abundant animals and allow their populations to recover.

Rhino horn is composed primarily of the protein keratin, the same substance found in human fingernails, hair and animal hooves. Their structure is similar to horses hooves, turtle beaks and cockatoo bills. While myths about its medicinal usefulness have been dispelled, demand still exists for it in traditional medicine in several Asian countries. It is also used decoratively, such as for dagger handles due to its translucent appearance when carved.

Photo © copyright by Dr. Edward Mikol.

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