Rhinoceros

Rhino collage

Rhino dvur kralove

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Coelodonta antiquitatis

Sa-rhino-skin

Rhino size comparison

Rhino poaching in Africa (2008-2018)

Rhinoceros (Rhinocerotidae) are a family of large, herbivorous mammals identified by their characteristic horned snouts. The family is native to Africa and Asia, with species ranging across various habitats, from savannahs to forests. Rhinoceroses are known for their large size, thick protective skin, and one or two horns made of keratin, the same type of protein that makes up human hair and nails. Despite their tough appearance, rhinoceroses are facing critical threats from poaching and habitat loss.

Description

Rhinoceroses are among the largest remaining megafauna, with adults capable of exceeding 1 tonne in weight. They have a robust body and large head, a broad chest, and legs that are thick and sturdy. Their skin is thick and protective, often with folds that give the appearance of armor. Rhinoceroses have one or two horns on their snout, which are used for defense, intimidation, and digging up roots and breaking branches.

Species

There are five extant species of rhinoceros:

• The White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum), which is divided into the Southern white rhinoceros and the critically endangered Northern white rhinoceros.
• The Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis), known for its pointed and prehensile upper lip.
• The Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), which has a single horn and is known for its armor-like skin folds.
• The Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus), one of the world's rarest large mammals, with a single horn.
• The Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis), the smallest and the only Asian rhino with two horns.

Habitat and Distribution

Rhinoceroses are found in both Africa and Asia. The African species (the White and Black Rhinoceroses) inhabit the grasslands and savannahs of Eastern and Southern Africa. The Asian species (the Indian, Javan, and Sumatran Rhinoceroses) are found in various habitats ranging from dense forests to swamps in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Behavior and Diet

Rhinoceroses are generally solitary animals with the exception of the White Rhinoceros, which can be somewhat more social. They are herbivores, feeding on a wide variety of vegetation, including leaves, shoots, buds, fruits, and grasses. Rhinoceroses have a keen sense of smell and hearing, but relatively poor eyesight.

Conservation

All species of rhinoceros are under threat, primarily due to poaching for their horns and loss of habitat. The horns are highly valued in traditional Asian medicine and for dagger handles in some cultures. Conservation efforts include strict protection in national parks and reserves, anti-poaching measures, and international trade bans on rhino horns.