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Indian Rhinoceros
Rhinoceros unicornis

WILD STATUS
There are approx 1400 left in the wild.

DISTRIBUTION

North-Eastern India and lower elevations in Nepal.

SIZE
Indian Rhinos grow to 3175 kg (7000 lbs)
Shoulder height 1.7-2.1 m (5.5’-7’)

HABITAT
They thrive in open grasslands, floodplains and open forest.
 
REPRODUCTION
A single calf is born every 3 years after a 480 day gestation period..

DIET
They eat grasses, aquatic plants, twigs, leaves and fruit.
 
INTERESTING TIDBITS
  • Life span is approximately 50 years in captivity and 40 in the wild.
  • The Indian rhino is the second largest land mammal behind the elephant.
  • There are 5 species of rhino: Black, White, Sumatran, Javan and Indian.
  • Indian rhino has semi-prehensile upper lip enabling them to grasp twigs and twist and pull into their mouths.
  • Rhinos are able to run up to 35 mph and to stop or turn very sharply.
  • They are excellent swimmers and have been known to swim across wide rivers.
  • They have acute hearing and sense of smell and can see very well up-close.
  • The Indian rhino is unique in having huge folds of skin at his neck and joints. The skin is covered with many tubercles (bumps) appearing to be armour plated.
  • Indian rhinos enjoy wallowing in the mud. Mud coated on their skin acts as sunscreen, bug repellent and air conditioning.
  • They are threatened by loss of habitat and poaching. They are translocated from large source populations such as national parks to smaller parks and reserves.
HABITAT RANGE
indian_rhinoceros_map.gif 
 ANIMAL FACT SHEET
 To download the information from this page and receive a full page photo of the Indian rhinoceros  click here for a PDF

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