September 22,2023
By Sonakshi Kandhari
Rhinoceros is one of the world's oldest and most endangered mammals. On this World Rhinoceros Day, let's delve deeper and get acquainted with this prehistoric giant.
Image Source: Pxfuel
The Java Rhino was common not just in Indonesia but even in China. It’s saddening to know that now their numbers have dwindled to a mere 58–68 in Java, an island in Indonesia.
Image Source; Wikimedia Commons
Standing at a height of 4 feet and spreading across 11 feet, other animals look meek in front of this one, but it is the smallest of the rhinos. Currently, only 80 of them exist in Sumatra, Borneo.
Image Source: Pxfuel
Rhinoceroses have no natural predators because of their size and strong defence. Calves may be preyed upon by big cats or crocodiles, which explains why they stay close to their mothers.
Image Source: Pxfuel
A rhinoceros enjoys two mud baths a day, which can even extend to 3 hours.The mud left on their bodies works as sun protection and keeps their skin moisturised.
Image Source: Pxfuel
Following mating, a rhino couple part ways, and the calf spends some time in the company of its mother. Eventually, the calf begins to spend time with other calves or females, but not its father.
Image Source: Pxfuel
The white rhino possesses the longest horn amongst the others. A rhinoceros's horn is made of keratin, the same thing that makes up human hair and fingernails.
Image Source: Pxfuel
While a rhinoceros does enjoy its solitude, it is not uncommon to find birds perched on them, particularly in Africa. The birds feed off the insects sitting on their bodies while alerting them to a potential threat.
Image Source: Pxfuel