Indian Rhinoceros
Rhinoceros unicornis
WILD STATUS
There are approx 1400 left in the wild.
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.
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
ANIMAL FACT SHEET
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