Rhino
The
Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is also called Greater
One-horned Rhinoceros and Asian One-horned Rhinoceros and belongs to the
Rhinocerotidae family. Listed as a vulnerable species, the large mammal
is primarily found in parts of north-eastern India and in protected
areas in the Terai of Nepal, where populations are confined to the
riverine grasslands in the foothills of the Himalayas. Weighing between
2260 kg and 3000 kg, it is the fourth largest land animal and has a
single horn, which measures 20 to 57 cm (7.9 to 22 in) in length.
The
Indian rhinoceros once ranged throughout the entire stretch of the
Indo-Gangetic Plain but excessive hunting reduced their natural habitat
drastically. Today, about 3,000 rhinos live in the wild, 2,000 of which
are found in India's Assam alone.
General information
- Weight: 1,800 - 2,700 kg (4,000 - 6,000 lbs)
- Height (at shoulder): 1,75 - 2 m (5,75 -6,5 ft)
- Length (head and body): 3 - 3,8 m (10 - 12,5 ft)
- Horn length: 0,20 - 0,60 m (8 in - 24 in)
- Lifespan: 40 to 50 years
- Characteristics: only one horn and skin with large folds
all over its body.
Type of Rhinos in IndiaThere are five kinds of Rhinos
found in the world :
- Indian Rhino
- White Rhino
- Black Rhino
- Javan Rhino
- Sumatran Rhino
Indian Rhino Behaviour
- Indian Rhinos may reach speeds of 40 km/h (25 m/h) and are
extremely good swimmers.
- Indian Rhinos are primarily solitary except for the females when
they have a calf.
- Indian Rhinos have home ranges of 2-8 square kilometers in size.
- Males are loosely territorial.
- Indian Rhinos feed during the morning and evening and spend the
afternoon wallowing in lakes, rivers and ponds.
Indian Rhino Diet
- Indian Rhinos are primarily grazers but occasionally also browse.
- Indian Rhinos prefer wetlands and also are known to feed on
aquatic plants while in the water.
