Morphology of the dorsal lingual papillae in the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis).

The dorsal lingual surface of a black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) was examined by scanning electron microscopy. The tongue was about 30 cm in length. There were about 60 vallate papillae on both sides. Filiform, fungiform and vallate papillae were found. The filiform papillae were distributed over the entire dorsal surface of the tongue. The papillae had a hair-like shape. The fungiform papillae were round in shape, and more densely distributed on the lingual apex. No foliate papillae were seen on the dorsal surface. The vallate papillae were located on both sides of the posterior end of the lingual body. Each papilla was surrounded by a groove.