Rhinoceroses

15 species

Rhinoceroses are members of any of the five extant species of odd-toed ungulates. Two of the extant species are native to Africa, and three to South and Southeast Asia. These animals are some of the largest remaining megafauna: all weigh at least one tonne in adulthood. They have a herbivorous diet, small brains (400-600 g) for mammals of their size, one or two horns, and thick (1.5-5 cm), protective skin formed from layers of collagen positioned in a lattice structure. The two African species of rhinoceros lack teeth at the front of their mouths; they rely instead on their lips to pluck food. Adult rhinoceros have no real predators in the wild, other than humans. Although rhinos are large and aggressive and have a reputation for being resilient, they are very easily poached; they visit water holes daily and can be easily killed while they drink. These animals are killed by poachers for their horns, which are bought and sold on the black market for high prices, leading to most living rhinoceros species being considered endangered.
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Rhinoceroses are members of any of the five extant species of odd-toed ungulates. Two of the extant species are native to Africa, and three to South and Southeast Asia. These animals are some of the largest remaining megafauna: all weigh at least one tonne in adulthood. They have a herbivorous diet, small brains (400-600 g) for mammals of their size, one or two horns, and thick (1.5-5 cm), protective skin formed from layers of collagen positioned in a lattice structure. The two African species of rhinoceros lack teeth at the front of their mouths; they rely instead on their lips to pluck food. Adult rhinoceros have no real predators in the wild, other than humans. Although rhinos are large and aggressive and have a reputation for being resilient, they are very easily poached; they visit water holes daily and can be easily killed while they drink. These animals are killed by poachers for their horns, which are bought and sold on the black market for high prices, leading to most living rhinoceros species being considered endangered.
show less