A rhino's horn is not a true horn that is attached to the skull. It grows from the skin and is made up of keratin fibers, the same material found in hair and nails. Black rhinos have a prehensile lip that is used much like a finger to select and pick the leaves and twigs they prefer. Black rhinos travel alone except while breeding or raising offspring.
Juveniles remain with the mother until they are completely weaned just before a new baby is born.
Ecology and Conservation Rhinos are heavy browsers that hinder woody plants from dominating their habitat. This is important because it allows grasses to grow which provide food for many other animals on the grassy plains. Young rhinos are occasionally prey items for large carnivores such as lions and hyenas. People of some cultures believe that rhino horn contains medicinal properties. This is most likely not true but is one of the primary reasons rhinos are poached.