YOU NEED MY HORN TO GET IT UP...WELL TAKE A LOOK AT HOW A NATURAL KING DOES IT.

Promiscuity Black Rhinos are classified as having an overlap promiscuity mating system. These mating systems are characterized by a lack of bond between male and female outside of mating. This mating system is optimal for the male because the male provides no care for the young and can mate with multiple females. This system is generally disadvantageous for the female because the she receives no help from the male in caring for the young. However, this system is accepted by the Black Rhino females because the female is able to provide protection for her young and gather food resources by herself. TAKE AWAY HER HORN LEAVE HER UNPROTECTED! SHAMEFUL Reproductive Cycles Females are usually able to reproduce for the first time between the ages of 3.5 to 5 years, but sometimes are found not to reproduce until much older, at age ten (Hitchins and Andersen, 1983). Though there is no clear seasonality to reproduction, some studies have shown higher birth rates at periods during the summer and winter, when water and food resources are more abundant (Eloff, 1971). A female is in estrus for approximately 7 days, during which time she will be courted by a male. Copulation occurs on the last day of the estrus cycle, and mating lasts for one day, suggesting that receptivity occurs for only 1 day. The estrus cycles occur every 21 days Hitchins and Andersen, 1983). Courtship On the first day of the female's estrus, the male will begin to court the female. Courtship behavior includes urine spraying, cocking of the tail by the female, making Lehman, forceful dung scraping, and following of the female by the male. Urine spraying is a behavior in which the female delivers a backwards, horizontal spray of urine over a dung pile or bush while she is in estrus. Urine spraying is used to attract a male, and is often done at communal watering holes. Males will often spray over a female's urine spray in order to prevent attraction of male competitors. Tail cocking involves lifting the tail at an angle to signal for mating. These female courtship behaviors are important in insuring reproduction, since males are often very spread out. Making Lehman is a behavior in which a male sniffs a females genitalia or urine marking, by making a characteristic gesture to expose an organ receptive to pheromones. Following behavior of the male occurs can occur for long distances as the male attempts to have the female accept copulation. During the following the males and females can either interact peacefully or may exhibit "bluff and bluster" behavior,in which the Rhinos snort and shake their head vigorously. The male and female may also butt head and horns gently during courtship (San Diego Zoo, 2003). Though males and females only interact during mating, males will defend females during the female's estrus. Males will also fight over a female in estrus for copulation with the female. Males generally leave the female after copulation, though will sometimes stay for several days to ensure paternity (San Diego Zoo, 2003).  NO DRUGS NATURAL OR SCIENTIFIC NEEDED!!! Mate Choice Since males require very little investment in reproduction (besides time required for courtship), male Black Rhinos are not very selective, and will attempt to mate with any female when she is receptive. However, if given the choice, males will choose younger females, as they are more likely to be fertile. Females will choose the most dominant male that attempts to court her. This strategy ensures her the best genes for her offspring. Development Gestation periods for the Black Rhino range from 15-18 months, with one Rhino per litter. Rhino young will stay with their mother for 2.5 -3 years, in which time the young rhino is usually replaced by a another baby. The mother provides defense and nutrition to the young Rhino, who lack the size and horn development to defend themselves. Rhinos babies can be hunted by lions and hyenas. Females reach sexual maturity at 3.5 - 5 years, whereas males are mature around 6 years. Black Rhinos reach full growth around age 10. Black Rhinos can live up to 40 years in the wild. Drought and predation are the leading causes of mortality in the Black Rhino. The main predator of Black Rhinos is humans, though lions will occasionally attack a Rhino (San Diego Zoo, 2003).