Kan Dail
Rhinoceros shortly known as rhino is the second largest mammal in the world after the elephant. Rhinos saw in the regions of Africa and Asia. As of now, 5 species of rhinos known, however, all of them are endangered because of excessive hunting and encroachment. The primary reason for killing is the horns which are used for multiple reasons. Let me list down some of the interesting Rhinoceros Facts,
Interesting Rhinoceros Facts
- The closest relative of rhino are horse, zebra, and tapir
- Rhinos can reach up to 6 feet in height and 11 feet in length. The species weight around 6000 pounds, however, they are not as intelligent as elephants because they have small brains.
- Currently, in the African region, two types of rhinos seen in Africa i.e white and black. White rhinos are not white they have brownish skin and have a wider mouth compared with black rhinos.
- Javan rhinoceros is the rarest species of rhino and approximately only 50 are left in the wild. The body of Javan rhinoceros looks like its body is covered with heavy plates. The plates are made up of folds of the skin.
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- Rhinos mostly cover their skin with mud to keep it protected from sunburn. Mud is also helpful in protecting their skin from insects.
- Rhinos are herbivorous animals that only loves to eat plants. It likes to eat grass, shrubs, leaves, and shoots.
- The horns of the Rhinos are made up of the same substance known as keratin that makes human nails as well.
- The number of horns depends on the species, Black and Sumatran rhinos have two horns whereas Indian and Javan rhinoceros have one horn only.
- Till now, the longest horn known was 4 feet and 9 inches long.
- Birds like oxpeckers used to sit on Rhinos and removes small insects and ticks from rhinos skin.
- Despite the weight, Rhinos are fast running animals and can run up to 40 miles per hour.
- Rhinos are known to have poor eyesight but the sense of smell and hearing is excellent.
- Rhinos in a group known as crash, Black rhinos used to fight with others and mostly 50% of males and 30% of females die during these fights.
- The pregnancy in different species lasts between 14 and 18 months where the mother takes good care of her baby, Young rhinos used to leave their mother 2-4 years after it is born.
- The lifespan of rhinos in the wild is around 40-45 years.
These are in the interesting facts about Rhinoceros. Kindly share and do post your comments.