Interesting facts about rhinoceros

RHINOS are one of the most iconic animals in the world, yet many people do not know a great deal about this ancient species. The word “rhinoceros” comes from the Greek words “rhino” (which means “nose”) and “ceros” (which means “horn”). Literally translated, therefore, rhinoceros means nose horn.

There are now five different species of rhino in the world. Two of these are native to Africa — the Black Rhinoceros and the White Rhinoceros — and three of these are native to Asia — the Indian rhinoceros, Javan rhinoceros and Sumatran rhinoceros. The Black Rhinoceros, Javan rhinoceros and Sumatran rhinoceros are all listed as critically endangered — this means that they have a 50% chance of becoming extinct in the next three generations.

• All five rhino species can grow to weigh over 1 000kg, with the white rhino reaching a staggering 3 500kg. This makes the white rhino the second largest mammal after the elephant.

• Relative to their large body size, rhinoceros have small brains. This does not mean that you should underestimate their intelligence, however.

• Rhino horns are made from a protein called keratin, the same substance that hair and fingernails are made of. Contrary to popular belief, the rhino’s horn is not bone (it is not even attached to the skull). The horn is actually made of masses of hairs that are all compacted in together.

• These hairs grow throughout the rhino’s lifetime, just like our own nails and hair do. The longest recorded rhino horn was an amazing 1,22m long! If the horn falls off, another will grow in its place.

• A group of rhinos is called a “herd” — or a “crash”.

• Ever seen a white rhinoceros? Us either. Despite the misleading name, all white rhinos are actually grey.

• Rhinos can grow to be over 1,8m tall and more than 3,3m in length – that is big! Did you know that rhino horn is made from the protein keratin? It grows just like hair and nails.

• Can you guess the closest living “relatives” to the rhino? Surprisingly, these are horses, zebra and tapirs. They all belong to a group of mammals called odd-toed ungulates.

• Despite their weight and their bulk, rhinos move fast! They can run up to 48-64km per hour. To put that in context, Usain Bolt can run 45km per hour. Now imagine a rhino sprinting at you at that speed!

• Mother rhinos are pregnant for a total duration of 15-16 months.

• Rhinos have very poor eyesight, but this is more than made up for by their other senses. A rhino would have great difficulty seeing someone standing just 30 metres away if they weren’t moving. If the person moves, makes a sound or can even be smelled by the rhino however, it will easily detect that person, even at much greater distances.

• African rhinos and ox-peckers (a type of bird) have a fascinating symbiotic relationship. The ox-pecker stands on the rhino’s back and eats ticks and other insects that it finds on the rhino. If the ox-pecker senses danger, it will always create a commotion, which helps to alert the rhino to it as well.

• How do you think that rhinos communicate with other rhinos? Interestingly, it is through their dung. Each rhino’s dung has a unique smell and identifies its owner. From rhino poo, you can also tell if that rhino is young or old, male or female. Dung is quite useful for marking a rhino’s territory too, just like dogs like to do. Rhino’s communicate by doing a poo.

• Rhinos are ancient, having been around for over 50 million years. Rhinos were much woollier in the prehistoric times, but otherwise they have not evolved much. The only changes that have been identified are that some of the first rhinos didn’t have horns, and that some rhino species actually roamed North America and Europe. No rhino species have ever inhabited the South American or Australian continents.

• Black rhinos seem to enjoy a scrap, especially amongst themselves. Black rhinos have the highest rate of death among mammals in fights among the same species. 50% of males and 30% of females die from these intra-species fights.