Published 24th Dec. 2024
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Spread across Borneo, Sumatra, Namibia, the Eastern Himalayas and coastal East Africa, rhinos are some of Africa and Asia’s most iconic animals. There are five species in total – black, white, Indian, Javan and Sumatran – and while they share common characteristics, each species has distinctive traits. From super speed to communication quirks, read on for a roundup of our top rhino facts…
Black and white rhinos’ names aren’t as self-descriptive as they seem. Despite their colourful titles, both species are, in fact, grey. The confusion stems from Early English settlers mistaking the Afrikaans word wyd (meaning wide, referring to the white rhino’s mouth) as ‘white’. Consequently, to differentiate, they named the other species (identifiable through their pointed upper lip) the black rhino.
What do rhino horns have in common with horse hoofs, turtle beaks, human hair and fingernails? They’re all made of keratin, a protein that strengthens when densely structured. These intricately interwoven fibres explain why rhino horns are tough enough for digging and fighting, while human nails bend and break. Unfortunately, rhinos are hunted for their horns, which are sought after for medicinal use across Asia despite a lack of scientific evidence supporting any benefits.
Despite their hefty frames, rhinos can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour over short distances (pipping Usain Bolt to the post in a sprint). These impressive bursts of speed allow them to escape predators, charge at threats and quickly position themselves between their offspring and potential danger. In short, you don’t want to get on their bad side.
Our next rhino fact is about their quirky communication habits. Grunts, growls, snorts and screams are commonly used to convey anger, irritation or fear, while raised heads are used as warnings. To mark their territory, rhinos use a slightly stinker method – defecating or releasing a foul-smelling substance from scent glands in their behind. However, it’s mostly the males who communicate like this – the females have more manners.
While all rhinos are strong swimmers, some species take to the water better than others. Indian rhinos are the most proficient paddlers, often spotted skilfully swimming through deep waters and using their long upper lips to grasp aquatic plants. Similarly, Javan and Sumatran rhinos are known to swim across rivers during their daily movements. While they’re able to, black and white rhinos aren’t huge swimmers; instead, they prefer to wallow in mud to cool off and protect their skin.
The Indian rhino’s recovery story is one of the greatest conservation successes in Asia. Identified by a single horn, these giants were on the brink of extinction in the early 20th century – their population sat at around 200. However, thanks to anti-poaching initiatives and strict protection measures, their numbers have risen to over 4,000. This inspiring success story gives hope to the Sumatran and Javan rhinos, whose wild populations both sit below 80.
Big bodies mean big bellies, and our final rhino fact shines a light on these creatures’ eating habits. Depending on the species, they can graze for up to 12 hours a day, totting up to over 100lbs of vegetation (proving that there’s not always a correlation between meat eating and muscle mass). All this grazing helps to maintain grasslands, with their dung also serving as an essential source of seed dispersal for many plant species.
Written by Evie Buller
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