Rhinoceros

Rhinoceros, or rhino, are large, herbivorous mammals with thick armor-like skin and one or more keratinous horns on the snout. There are five extant species, split between Africa and Asia: the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) and the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) in Africa; the Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus), and Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) in Asia.

Habitat and range: White and black rhinos live in savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands of eastern and southern Africa. Indian, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos occur in forests and lowland areas of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

Diet: All are herbivores. White rhinos mainly graze on grasses; black rhinos browse on shrubs and trees; Indian, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos feed on a mix of grasses, leaves, shoots, and fruit.

Physical characteristics: Rhinos have thick, protective skin and keratinous horns. Size varies by species; white rhino is among the largest land mammals, while other species are smaller. Horns are not bones and can be one or two in number, depending on the species and individual.

Behavior and reproduction: White rhinos are social and form small groups; black rhinos are more solitary; Javan and Sumatran rhinos are largely solitary as adults. Gestation lasts about 15–16 months, with calves staying with mothers for up to two years.

Conservation: Rhinos face poaching for horn, habitat loss, and fragmentation. IUCN statuses vary by species: white rhino Near Threatened; black rhino Critically Endangered; Indian rhino Vulnerable; Javan rhino Critically Endangered; Sumatran rhino Critically Endangered. Conservation efforts include protected reserves, anti-poaching patrols, and breeding and translocation programs.