Rhinocerotidae

Rhinocerotidae is a family of large, herbivorous, odd-toed ungulates in the order Perissodactyla. Native to Africa and southern Asia, rhinoceroses inhabit a variety of habitats including savannas, grasslands, tropical forests, and wetlands. They are distinguished by thick skin with folds and one or more horns made of keratin.

They have massive bodies, short limbs, and horn(s) composed of keratin. The upper lip is prehensile in some browsing species but not in grazers; lips and dentition reflect diet. They communicate via scent marking, vocalizations, and behavior, and they are capable swimmers and fast runners for their size.

Taxonomy and species: The family comprises four extant genera: Ceratotherium (white rhinoceros, Ceratotherium simum); Diceros (black rhinoceros, Diceros bicornis); Rhinoceros (Indian rhinoceros, Rhinoceros unicornis; Javan rhinoceros, Rhinoceros sondaicus); and Dicerorhinus (Sumatran rhinoceros, Dicerorhinus sumatrensis). Horn number varies by species; most have one or two horns.

Evolution and fossil record: Rhinocerotidae has a long fossil history dating from the Eocene to the present, with many extinct species across Eurasia and Africa; living rhinos today form a small fraction of their once-widespread relatives.

Conservation: All living rhinoceroses face threats from poaching and habitat loss. Several species are critically endangered or endangered; populations are fragmented. Conservation actions include anti-poaching patrols, habitat protection, and international trade restrictions under CITES.