Everyone has some friends.
Red-billed Oxpecker
It is a small bird that climbs on the rhino, even going so far as into the ears and nostrils, and plucks off parasitic insects. It has the potential to sit on the rhino for extended journeys. Also, it benefits the rhino by alerting him in times of danger, as it has a very high-pitched call. However, recent studies suggest that the oxpeckers can be parasites themselves, and climb onto the rhino to suck his blood. The overall relationship is symbiotic. ("Black rhino", 2013)
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Ticks and Mites
These insects are detrimental to the rhinoceros. They rest upon the skin of the rhino in attempt to suck his blood. This can lead to infection and death. The oxpeckers do aid in this regard, even though they themselves may be negatively affecting the rhino as well. The overall relationship is antagonistic. ("Black rhino", 2013)
Elephants
These animals often do not generally interact with the rhinoceros. However, when resources are scarce, elephants may benefit the rhino by digging wallows and pulling down leafy branches (elephants like to eat large branches, thus leaving behind the smaller twigs). The overall interaction is mutualistic. ("Black rhino", 2013)
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