Rhinos belong to the Rhinocerotidae family and draw human interest with their striking appearance of horned noses and bulky bodies. These herbivorous mammals can be divided into various species that predominantly inhabit African savannas or Asian grasslands.
Are you excited to uncover some intriguing rhino facts? Now is the time to uncover fascinating details about these incredible Eurasian mammals! Let’s begin revealing these fascinating truths!
10 Fascinating Rhino Facts Worth Knowing
1: “Rhinoceros” Comes from The Greek Words: “Rhino” (Nose) And “Ceros” (Horn)
Rhinoceros” is a term derived from two Greek words; “rhino,” meaning nose, and “zeros,” for horn, as rhinoceroses possess at least one horn on their noses – making this name perfectly appropriate to describe them!
2: There Are Five Rhino Species Worldwide
Due to their high rate of extinction, only five species of rhinoceroses remain: White, Black, greater one-horned Javan, and Sumatran rhinos. Of those five rhino species, only Black Javan and Sumatran rhinoceroses have managed to stay viable; three of them have even been classified as critically endangered, posing severe threats to their existence and survival.
- White Rhinos: The largest species of African rhinoceros—commonly referred to as the ‘square-lipped’ variety—is present across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Uganda.
- Black Rhino: Commonly known for their trademark ‘hook-lipped’ appearance, Black Rhinos can be found across South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Kenya.
- Greater One-Horned Rhino: Also referred to as an Indian Rhino species in Asia, distributed widely within India and Nepal.
- Javan Rhinos: These critically endangered rhinoceroses remain only in Ujong Kulon National Park, with only 76 individuals remaining today, representing one population.
- Sumatran Rhinos: Relating closely to the extinct Woolly Rhinoceros species, Sumatran Rhinos have only 34 to 47 living populations today, making them known as one of the smallest living rhino species today.
3: Javan And Indian Rhinos Have One Horn, While White, Black, And Sumatran Rhinos Have Two
Rhinos are often recognized by their distinctive nose horn. While one-horned rhinoceroses may be most visible, three out of the five species actually feature two horns on top of their nasal bridge; only Javan and Indian Rhinos possess only a single horn.
Sumatran rhinoceroses, like Black and White rhinos in Africa, only possess two horns compared to four in Asian species such as those seen here.
White rhinoceroses hold the record for having the longest horn, measuring up to 150 cm long and growing at an estimated 7 cm annually.
4: Rhinos Can Weigh Over 3 Tonnes
Imagine an herbivorous mammal weighing more than two small cars. Rhinos make that possible! One of the incredible facts about rhinos is their weight – this incredible creature weighs in excess of 3 tons (6613.8 lbs).
Sumatran rhinos typically weigh at least 1322.7 lbs. White rhinos hold the record weight with 7716.1 pounds of meat on their bodies, and their bulgy physiques make for one impressive rhino species!
Notably, Black rhinoceros brains weigh between 1.17 and 1.18 lbs—one of the heaviest body parts relative to size among all rhinoceros species.
5: Both Black And White Rhinos Are Gray
One common myth about rhinos is that their names are linked with their colors; both white and black rhinos actually share one common characteristic—gray coloring!
The white rhino’s name can be traced back to the African word “wyd or weit,” which translates as wide and is said to refer to its wider lips than black rhinos. Unfortunately, over time, this term became misunderstood and eventually changed into “White rhino.”
Origin of Black Rhinos‘ Names It remains uncertain where black rhino names originated; some theories propose they were given due to their darker skin colors, while others believe they are used to distinguish between the black rhino species and them.
6: Rhinos Use Dung to Communicate with Each Other
Researchers have recently discovered an intriguing rhino fact: their use of dung as a communication tool. Different rhinos leave different chemical signatures behind when excreting, effectively conveying messages to fellow rhinos while helping identify who left their mark.
Fresh poop signals another animal’s presence, while old poop indicates no rival is nearby and that it is safe to move forward with their plans. Furthermore, chemicals released through rhino dung enable scientists to identify rhinos accurately by age, gender, and reproductive state.
7: Rhinos Can Produce up to 50 Pounds of Dung Daily
Yes, that is correct: rhinoceroses produce up to 50 pounds of dung daily due to eating anywhere between 55.1 to 110.2 pounds of vegetation daily. Not only is the massive quantity produced the result of their diet, but this dung also serves a critical function in communication, acting as a messenger and encouraging healthy relationships among their fellow rhinos.
8: Rhinos Enjoy Mud Baths
Rhinos don’t rely exclusively on shade or drinking water to escape summer heat; instead, they prefer taking mud baths that cover their entire bodies, providing shelter against harmful sun rays and protecting them from insect bites. Rhinos typically take two three-hour mud bath sessions every day, during which their mineral needs can also be fulfilled and any unwanted insect attacks prevented.
9: Rhino Pregnancies Last for 15 – 16 Months!
Rhino reproduction cycles are among the most extended reproductive processes among terrestrial mammals, lasting four to six weeks of estrous cycle activity, 16 months of gestation time, and one or six months of lactation period—one major impediment to replenishing population numbers.
Notably, Sumatran rhinoceroses – one of the smallest living species – carry their baby inside for 16 months during gestation, the most extended gestation period among all rhino species.
10: Rhinos Can Run With a Speed of up to 30 – 40 Miles Per Hour
Contrary to popular belief, rhinoceroses can run at speeds between 30-40 miles per hour (mph), even faster than any person! Indeed, rhinos can outrun humans in terms of running speed!
Current information indicates that Indian and Sumatran rhinos can reach speeds up to 25 mph, Javan rhinos can hit 30 mph, and white rhinos maintain between 25 and 31 mph. Black rhinos often run at speeds exceeding 40 mph.
Conclusion
Rhino facts may be intriguing, yet their decline and eventual extinction data are alarming. At one point during the 20th century, over half a million rhinos were roaming Africa and Asia; by 1970, their numbers had decreased drastically to just over 70,000. Today, there are currently 27,000 remaining in the wild due to poaching activities and habitat destruction. The primary factors responsible are poaching and habitat loss, which are causing this significant decrease.
Rhino facts serve to increase our comprehension of these massive creatures and their distinct features.
FAQs
What are 5 facts about rhinos?
- Javan and Indian rhinos feature one horn, while white, black, and Sumatran rhinos sport two.
- Both black and white rhinos can also be gray.
- Rhinos use their waste product (dung) to communicate with each other.
- Up to 50 pounds may be produced daily by adult male rhinos alone.
- Pregnancies usually last 16 months in these creatures.
Do rhinos run fast?
Yes, rhinoceroses can run up to 40 mph; indeed, they often outwit humans at this speed!
How big can a rhino get?
The southern white rhinoceros is the world’s largest living species, with an approximate length of 4.2m and a shoulder height of 1.85 meters. Its weight is estimated to be 3.6 tonnes or approximately 8,000 pounds.
How old do rhinos live?
Rhinos live up to 50 years, depending on their species; white rhinoceroses typically reach this mark, while Indian ones usually live between 35 and 45.
How old is the oldest rhino?
An elderly female black rhinoceros from Tanzania died last December and is known as the oldest rhino in history, living for an incredible 57 years before succumbing.