Indian Rhinoceros
Rhinoceros unicornis
Conservation Status
Near ThreatenedMammalia · Perissodactyla · Rhinocerotidae
About
The Indian rhinoceros, also known as the greater one-horned rhinoceros, great Indian rhinoceros or Indian rhino, is a rhinoceros species native to the Indian subcontinent. It is the second largest living rhinoceros and the largest in Asia, with adult males weighing 2.07–2.2 t and adult females 1.6 t. Its thick skin is grey-brown with pinkish skin folds. It has a single horn on its snout that grows up to 57.2 cm (22.5 in) long. Its upper legs and shoulders are covered in wart-like bumps, and it is nearly hairless aside from the eyelashes, ear fringes and tail brush.
Fun Fact
Indian rhinoceroses have a single horn made of compressed keratin (like hair), and their skin folds look like armour plates — these folds are flexible joints that allow surprising agility for a 2-tonne animal.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Grasslands and riverine forests
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
35-45 years
Threats
- Illegal Wildlife Trade
- Wildfire
- Habitat Fragmentation