The world rhino population is declining and all five species of rhino are now endangered. Apply to join rhino conservation projects helping the beautiful creatures in Africa and Asia.
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About Rhinoceros
The word “rhinoceros” is derived from the Greek words “rhino” (nose), and kera (horn); hence “horned-nose”.
Rhinoceros are animals with massive bodies, stumpy legs and one or two horns. There are five species of rhinoceros. Two species are African: White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) and Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis); and three are from Southern Asia: Sumatran (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis), Indian (Rhinoceros unicornis) and Javan (Dicerorhinus sondaicus).
Interesting Facts
- A group of rhinos is called a crash, rhinos can live 40 to 45 years
- The rhinoceros stands about 60 inches at the shoulder.
- Rhinos have poor eyesight, but acute senses of hearing and smell.
- A group of rhinos is called a “crash.”
- Javan and Indian rhinos only have one horn.
- Sumatran rhinos are the smallest of the rhinos. They are weighing “only” 1750 pounds.
- The white rhinoceros is the largest rhino; it’s weighing up to 6,000 pounds.
- Rhinoceros can sprint at speeds of 45 kilometers per hour (28 mph).
- Rhinos can live 40 to 45 years.
- Rhinoceros horns are made only of keratin.
Rhino Behaviour
Black rhinos live in areas with dense, woody vegetation. White rhinos live in savannas.
Rhinos are solitary animals; they are not very social and are found together only to breed. Males mark and defend their territories. Rhinos use their horns in battles for territory or females and in order to defend themselves from lions, tigers and hyenas.
Rhinos are herbivores. They eat grass, buds, leaves, and fruits. The black rhino is a browser, the white rhino is a grazer. Rhinos take mud and dust baths to keep cool. They also have an acute sense of smell.
Reproduction
Black rhino males reach sexual maturity between 7 and 10 years of age, females between 4 and 7 years of age. One calf is born after a gestation period of 16 months. The calf remains with its mother until it’s 3 years old.