Top 10 Astonishing Facts About Rhinos
Rhinos are remarkable animals. Their massive size, unique demeanor, and distinct features, along with the different species variations, make them truly marvelous.It is common knowledge that they are large animals with noticeable horns. However, beyond the basics, there are plenty of fascinating aspects about rhinos that may spark your interest.
So, get ready for some facts about rhinos that just might blow your mind.
Despite the two species having different colors in their names, the colors black and white have nothing to do with their actual appearance. In fact, both species are grey.
The terms "white" and "black" rhino refer to their lips. The name "White Rhino" is said to have been derived from the Afrikaans word wyd (which means "wide" in English), as White Rhinos have a wide, square-shaped lip. On the other hand, the Black Rhino has a more pointed upper lip.
Still, these terms have been useful for differentiating between the two species of rhinos.
There are two commonly known species: the White Rhino and the Black Rhino. In addition, there are three Asian species - the Greater One-Horned Rhino, the Sumatran Rhino, and the Javan Rhino.
Unfortunately, the Sumatran, Javan, and Black Rhinos are considered critically endangered. This is evident in their dwindling numbers, with only about 70 Javan Rhinos, between 34 and 47 Sumatran Rhinos, and approximately 6,487 Black Rhinos remaining.
Despite their vegetarian diet, rhinos can be incredibly heavy. The largest species, the White Rhino, can weigh over 3 tons (about 3,500 kilograms), which is equivalent to more than 550 stone.
Even the smallest rhinos, the Sumatran Rhinos, weigh around 600 kilograms, which is still significant - roughly 95 stone.
Rhino horns are made of keratin, which is the same protein that makes up human fingernails. Just like fingernails, rhino horns continuously grow throughout their lives.
Typically, all rhino species - except the Greater One-Horned and Javan Rhinos - have two horns. The Greater One-Horned and Javan Rhinos have only one horn. On average, a White Rhino's horn can grow about 7 centimeters per year.
Due to the positioning of their eyes, Rhinos have poor eyesight. In fact, they can only see a standing person from a maximum distance of about 30 meters.
It is believed that there were roughly 500,000 rhinos in the wild in the early 20th century. However, today, only about 27,000 rhinos remain.
This drastic decline is due to poaching and habitat loss.
Unfortunately, Northern White Rhinos are on the brink of extinction, with only two remaining - and both are female.
This drastic decline is due to extensive poaching, as rhino horns have been sought after for medicinal purposes and as a symbol of wealth. As a result, scientists are working to find ways to save the subspecies.
Javan Rhinos are found exclusively in Indonesia, and they exist in only one location: Ujung Kulon National Park.
There was once a larger population of Javan Rhinos across Asia, but due to poaching, their numbers drastically declined. Now, they are only found in Ujung Kulon National Park.
The term "rhinoceros" is derived from two Ancient Greek words: "rhino," meaning nose, and "ceros," meaning horn. The term's origins date back to the 14th century.
Rhinos are herbivores. Adult rhinos need to consume large amounts of food, with some requiring over a hundred pounds of vegetation daily for nourishment.
They primarily feed on various types of grass and plants. Due to their large size and massive appetite, rhinos are classified as megaherbivores.