Rhinoceros
(Diceros bicornis)
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Height:
Length:
Life Span:
Litter Size:
Gestation:
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5-7 ft.
15 ft.
30-35 yrs.
1
15-18 mo.
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Status:
There is a large market in parts of Asia for its horn, which is prized as a medicine.
Because of this market 4 of the 5 rhinoceros species are at a point of
extinction. Some black rhinos are protected 24 hours a day by an officer armed with a
gun.
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Report by Jesse
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Physical Features
The rhino most distinctive feature is the horns. The horns are used to shovel the ground
for mineral salt, fight over territory, females, and courtship and to protect
themselves and their young from lions, tigers and hyenas. Rhinos are near-sighted and can only
see clearly up to 30 feet away. It is the second most biggest land living animal
(the elephant being the first.) Rhino's have an acute sense of seeing and smelling. They use
smell to identify other rhinos, keep track of their young and identify predators.
Habitat, Daily Life and Feeding
Rhinos live in the savanna and eat only plants. The male and female rhinos establish
territories. Rhinos are more active during the night than during the day. They sleep at
night, take naps in mid-afternoon and are solitary animals. Mud baths are essential for
rhinos; it provides relief from biting insects, keeps them cool, and keeps them in good condition and
health.
Reproduction and Cubs
Males and females will fight during courtship. Some of the fighting will result in violence
and blood. After mating females will go a separate way than males. After 14-18 months
of gestation 1 calf is born. Calves are on their feet within hours of birth. They nurse for a
year but within a week they are eating vegetation. Calves remain close to their mother for
3 years. At this time another calf may have been born and the mother chases off the older
offspring.
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