Rhinoceroses are universally recognized because of their massive bodies, stumpy legs and either one or two dermal horns. But this animal is most famous for the fact that it has got a very thick hide. Normally, it is referred to as ‘rhino’. Rhinos have been around on this planet for several centuries now. This fact is corroborated by their depiction in various ancient cave paintings around the world. Though rhinoceroses were widespread in early days, their numbers has come down drastically. Now the rhinoceroses are limited to mostly national parks and reserves. Read this article to know the rhino better.
Class - Mammalia
Order - Perissodactyla
Family - Rhinocerotidae
Names - Male: bull
Female: cow
Young: calf
Species - Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis)
White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum)
Sumatran Rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis)
Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus)
Indian Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis)
Conservation Concerns - Endangered because of unlawful hunting and destruction of habitat.
Range - Africa and southern Asia.
Habitat - Savannahs, grasslands as well as tropical and subtropical forests.
Size (Smallest) - The Sumatran rhinoceros is the smallest in height. It reaches a shoulder height of about 1.4 m (4.6 ft). The weigh is about 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs).
Size (Largest) - The White rhinoceros can reach a shoulder height of up to 4 m (13ft). It weighs more than 2,500 kg (5,500 lbs).
Feeding Habits – The rhino is herbivores. It eats grass, tender plants and other type of vegetation.
Offspring - The female rhino normally gives birth to one calf after a gestation period of about one and a half year. The calf stays with its mother till the next calf is born and this happens usually after two years.
Life Span – Some 40 years in the wild.
Interesting Information about Rhinoceros
- The rhino’s horn grows all throughout its life.
- Hunters kill the rhino for their horns that are used in traditional Chinese medicine.
- Rhinoceroses have a very bad vision, but an extremely good sense of smell.
- Rhinoceroses at times charge towards a distressing scent or sound when they feel threatened by it.
- In contrast to other rhinos, the Sumatran has a considerable amount of hair covering its skin.
- Rhinoceros are more active during nighttime and morning than the rest of the day.
- The rhino can sleep both standing as well as lying down.
- Though thick the rhino’s hide is actually sensitive, especially to sunburn and insect bites.
- When any calve is threatened by a predator, the adult rhinos usually make a circle around it giving protection.
- The rhinoceros can run at a speed of 30 to 40 miles per hour.
- The rhino can live four to five days in the absence of water.
- A group of rhinos is called crash.
- Rhinoceros are normally solitary creatures, but they sometimes form small groups.
- The white rhino happens to be most sociable.
- The black rhino has a pointed upper lip, whereas the white rhino has a squared lip.
