Rhinoceros Facts

Rhinoceros are herbivores. The word “Rhinoceros” comes from two Greek words that mean “horned nose”.

There are five species of rhino, three live in tropical Asia and two are native to Africa. There are three kinds of rhinos living in Asia, the Indian, Javan and Sumatran. While the White and black rhinos live in Africa.

Of the five species three of the species are critically endangered and the other two are still on the endangered list just at a lower level. The Black Rhino, Javan Rhino, and the Sumatran Rhino are all critically endangered. The White Rhinoceros and the Indian rhinoceros are both endangered. Unfortunately in addition to habitat destruction, some Rhinos have been killed by poachers for their horns.

All five species of Rhinoceros have at least one horn. Both African Rhinos have two horns, the biggest one in the front followed by a smaller horn.

All of the Rhinos are massive bodies, short limbs small eyes and horns on their nose. Rhinos have a keen sense of smell, but do not see well. Rhinos have thick bodies, short legs and and thick skin, that acts as an armor. The Rhino uses their thick skin and big horn to protect themselves from predators. The Rhinoceros horn is made of keratin the same material that fingernails and toenails are made of.

Rhino are big and can be aggressive, when faced with a predator the Rhino will charge. Competing Rhinos may also charge each other before sparring with their horns. A Rhino’s horn can be a formidable opponent for a competitor. Without their horns Rhinos would be unable to defend their babies.

Young rhinos calves eat grass and drink their mother’s milk for the first year. Young rhinos begin eating vegetation after just a few weeks. The rhino calves stay with their mother for the first 2-3 years.

About the Author
Jacob Maddox manages content for Wildlife Animals http://www.wildlife-animals.com an educational wildlife and animal website. Jacob also guest writes for Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net