10 Fascinating Rhino Facts Worth Knowing

Rhino

Rhino Facts
21 Jun, 2024

Rhinos belong to the family Rhinocerotidae and captivate human attention with their horned snouts and bulky body posture. These herbivorous mammals are classified into different species and primarily inhabit African savannas and Asian grasslands.

Are you ready to learn some captivating rhino facts? Let’s begin unveiling the fascinating truths about these magnificent Eurasian mammals!

10 Fascinating Rhino Facts Worth Knowing

1: “Rhinoceros” Comes from The Greek Words: “Rhino” (Nose) And “Ceros” (Horn)

The name “Rhinoceros” is a combination of two Greek words: “rhino” meaning ‘nose’ and “ceros” meaning ‘horn.’ Given that rhinos have at least one horn on their nose, this name perfectly describes their distinctive appearance.   

2: There Are Five Rhino Species Worldwide

Due to the high extinction rate, only five rhinoceros species have managed to survive, which include the White, Black, Greater One-Horned, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos. However, the Black, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos are listed as critically endangered, facing severe threats to their survival.

  • White Rhinos: This largest species of African rhino, known as the ‘square-lipped’ rhino, is distributed in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Uganda. 
  • Black Rhino: Also known as ‘hook-lipped’ rhinos, the Black Rhinos are distributed in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Kenya. 
  • Greater One-Horned Rhino: The Greater One-Horned Rhino, or the Indian Rhino, is Asia’s largest species, distributed in India and Nepal. 
  • Javan Rhinos: This critically endangered species survives in Ujong Kulon National Park and has only 76 population. 
  • Sumatran Rhinos: This hair-covered species is closely related to the extinct Woolly Rhinoceros and is known as the smallest living rhinoceros, with a population of only 34 to 47.

3: Javan And Indian Rhinos Have One Horn, While White, Black, And Sumatran Rhinos Have Two

The horn at the front of the nose is a major characteristic of rhinos. While the one-horned rhino is the most commonly seen, three out of the five rhinoceros species actually have two horns positioned at the top of their nose. Only the Javan and Indian Rhinos possess a single horn.

Among the Asian rhinoceros species, the Sumatran rhino has only two horns. Similarly, both African species, the Black and White rhinos, also have two horns. 

It’s worth noting that white rhinos hold the record for the longest horn, measuring up to 150 cm in length, with an annual growth rate of approximately 7 cm.

4: Rhinos Can Weigh Over 3 Tonnes

Can you imagine a herbivorous mammal weighing more than two small cars? Yes, rhinos have made it possible! One of the most amazing rhino facts is their weight. This giant creature weighs more than 3 tons (6613.8 lbs). 

The smallest rhino species, the Sumatran rhinos, typically weigh at least 1322.7 lbs, whereas the White rhinos hold the title for the largest, with their record-breaking weight of 7716.1 lbs, boasting a bulky physique. 

Interestingly, the Black rhino’s brain weighs between 1.17 lbs and 1.18 lbs, which is one of the heaviest body parts relative to its size among all rhinoceros species.

5: Both Black And White Rhinos Are Gray

It’s a common misconception that rhinos’ names are related to their colors, but both white and black rhinos are actually gray in color.

The origin of the white rhino’s name is traced back to the African word “wyd or weit,” meaning wide, referring to the species’ wider lip compared to black rhinos. However, this word was misunderstood over time and eventually transformed into “White rhino.”

The origin of black rhinos‘ names is not exactly known. Some theories suggest they were named to distinguish them from white rhinos, while others propose it was due to their darker skin color.   

6: Rhinos Use Dung to Communicate with Each Other

It is indeed an intriguing rhino fact that they use dung as a communication tool. Researchers have discovered that different rhinos leave different chemicals in their poop, effectively conveying messages to their fellow rhinos and enabling them to identify the rhino who left the dung.

For example, fresh poop denotes another animal’s presence in the territory, while old poop signals there is no rival and it’s safe to move. Furthermore, the chemicals released in the dung enable the identification of rhinos’ age, gender, and reproductive condition.      

7: Rhinos Can Produce up to 50 Pounds of Dung Daily

Yes, you read it right! A rhino produces up to 50 pounds of dung daily as it consumes approximately 55.1 to 110.2 pounds of vegetation daily. This large amount of dung not only serves as a consequence of their eating habits but also plays a crucial role in communication, acting as a messenger and facilitating healthy interactions among their fellow rhinos.

8: Rhinos Enjoy Mud Baths

Unlike other mammals, rhinos do not rely solely on shade or drinking water to escape the summer heat. They prefer mud baths, which cover their entire bodies and protect them from harsh sun rays. Rhinos typically take mud baths twice daily, each lasting around three hours. Furthermore, mud baths fulfill their mineral needs and safeguard them from insect bites. 

9: Rhino Pregnancies Last for 15 – 16 Months!

The rhino reproduction cycle is known as one of the longest reproduction cycles in terrestrial mammals. It includes over 4 to 6 weeks of the estrous cycle, 16 months of gestation, and one to six months of lactation. This long gestation period has become one of the major obstacles to replenishing the population.

Notably, the smallest living species, Sumatran rhinos, carry their baby inside for 16 months, the longest gestation period among all rhino species. 

10: Rhinos Can Run With a Speed of up to 30 – 40 Miles Per Hour

Contrary to popular belief, rhinos are fast runners despite their bulky bodies, reaching speeds of 30 to 40 miles per hour (mph)! In fact, rhinos can run faster than any human.

According to existing information, Indian and Sumatran rhinos can run up to 25 mph. Javan rhinos can reach 30 mph, while White rhinos maintain speeds between 25 and 31 mph. Additionally, Black rhinos are often witnessed running at speeds of up to 40 mph.

Conclusion

The rhino facts are indeed intriguing, but their extinction data is a major concern. During the 20th century, 500,000 rhinos roamed Africa and Asia, but by 1970, their numbers had decreased to 70,000. Presently, their population is only 27,000 in the wild. The primary reasons behind this drastic decline are persistent poaching and habitat loss.

However, the above-mentioned rhino facts enhance our understanding of these bulky animals and their unique characteristics.

FAQs

What are 5 facts about rhinos?

1. Javan and Indian rhinos have one horn, while white, black, and Sumatran rhinos have two.
2. Both black and white rhinos are gray. 
3. Rhinos use dung to communicate with each other. 
4. Rhinos can produce up to 50 pounds of dung daily.
5. Rhino pregnancies last for 16 months.

Do rhinos run fast?

Yes, rhinos can run at a speed of 40 mph. In fact, rhinos can run faster than humans.

How big can a rhino get?

The southern white rhinoceros is the largest living species, with a length of 4.2m, a shoulder height of 1.85 m, and a weight of 3.6 tonnes (approximately 8000 pounds).

How old do rhinos live?

The lifespan of a rhino depends on its species. Rhinos can live up to 50 years. For example, the White rhino can live between 40 to 50 years, whereas the Indian rhino lives between 35 to 45 years.

How old is the oldest rhino?

A Black female rhino died in Tanzania and is known as the oldest rhino, with a lifespan of 57 years.

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