RHINOCEROS

Contents hide

1) Introduction

2) Classification of Rhinoceros

3) Geographical distribution

4) Habit and habitat

5) Comments on Rhinoceros

6) Ecological Importance

7) Conservation Status of Rhinoceros

8) Special features

9) Identification

10) Interesting Facts about Rhinoceros

Introduction

The rhinoceros, commonly referred to as the rhino, is one of the most iconic and ancient megafauna on Earth. These large, herbivorous mammals belong to the family Rhinocerotidae and are characterized by their thick, armor-like skin and one or two horns on their snouts. The name “rhinoceros” originates from the Greek words “rhino” (nose) and “ceros” (horn).

Five extant species of rhinoceroses are distributed across Africa and Asia:

White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum)
Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis)
Indian Rhino or Greater One-Horned Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis)
Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus)
Sumatran Rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis)

Rhinos are revered for their role in ecosystems, serving as keystone species that shape habitats for countless other organisms. However, their existence is imperiled due to habitat loss and rampant poaching for their horns, a prized commodity in illegal wildlife trade

Classification of Rhinoceros

Phylum :- Chordata (Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill-slits present.)
Group :- Craniata (Definite head, Cranium with brain present.)
Sub phylum :- Vertebrata (Vertebral column present.)
Division :- Gnathostomata (Jaws and paired appendages present.)
Super Class :- Tetrapoda (Paired limbs, lungs, cornified skin and bony skeleton.)
Class :- Mammalia (Body covered with hairs. Females have mammary glands.)
Order :- Perissodactyla (Odd-toed hoofed mammals.)
Family : Rhinocerotidae
Genus :- Rhinoceros

Geographical distribution

African Species:
- White Rhino: Found predominantly in southern Africa, particularly in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.
- Black Rhino: Spread across savannas and deserts in countries like Namibia, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Asian Species:
- Indian Rhino: Native to northern India and Nepal, mainly in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra and Ganges rivers.
- Javan Rhino: Critically endangered and confined to Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia.
- Sumatran Rhino: Found in fragmented populations in Indonesia’s Sumatra and Borneo islands

Habit and habitat

Rhinos inhabit a diverse range of environments depending on the species:

African Rhinos (White and Black):
- Prefer savannas, grasslands, and shrublands.
- White rhinos thrive in open grasslands, while black rhinos prefer dense vegetation.
Indian Rhino:
- Found in alluvial floodplains, tall grasslands, and riverine forests.
Javan and Sumatran Rhinos: Reside in dense tropical rainforests with ample water sources

Comments on Rhinoceros

Commonly called as Rhino.
Large heavily built body with thick armour-like hide having considerable folds.
Skin folds contain various tubericles and usually without hairs.
Body divisible into head, neck, large trunk comparatively small tail, chest and abdomen. Head
contains, jaws, mouth, eyes, born and ears. Upper jaw in prehensile.
The maximum height is 6 feet and weight two and half tons.
Rhinos have characteristic horns located on snout rather than top of head. African rhinos, have two horns while Indian rhinos only one horn. Horn is made up of skin derivatives in the form of strong fibrous pointed structure.
Prime need of rhinos is water and mud. They roll in mud over their skin for cooling their skin and for protection from biting flies.
Solitary, swift and agile.
Eyesight poor but smelling power strong.
Gestation period 15 to 17 months. Single calf is produced.

Ecological Importance

Rhinos are keystone species, meaning their presence and activities significantly influence their ecosystems:

Grassland Maintenance:
- Grazing species like white rhinos create grazing lawns, which support diverse herbivores and prevent overgrowth.
Seed Dispersal:
- Consuming fruits and dispersing seeds through dung, rhinos aid in plant regeneration and forest diversity.
Soil Aeration:
- Their movements aerate the soil, promoting better water absorption and plant growth.
Prey-Predator Balance:
- Support apex predators like lions and tigers by providing carrion when they die.

Conservation Status of Rhinoceros

White Rhino:
- Near Threatened; southern populations are stable, but the northern subspecies is functionally extinct.
Black Rhino:
- Critically Endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
Indian Rhino:
- Vulnerable, with successful conservation efforts in India and Nepal.
Javan Rhino:
- Critically Endangered, with fewer than 80 individuals remaining.
Sumatran Rhino:
- Critically Endangered, with fewer than 80 individuals surviving in fragmented habitats.

Conservation Efforts:

Anti-poaching patrols and laws.
Protected reserves and sanctuaries.
Breeding programs and habitat restoration projects.
Global awareness campaigns to reduce horn trade.

Special features

Horn Composition:
- Rhinos’ horns are made of keratin, the same protein found in human hair and nails.
Thick Skin:
- Their skin acts like armor but is surprisingly sensitive, often plagued by parasites and requiring frequent mud baths.
Communication:
- Rhinos communicate using a range of vocalizations, from grunts and bellows to snorts. They also use dung piles to mark territories.
Exceptional Strength:
- Rhinos are immensely strong and can run up to 50 km/h despite their large size.
Social Structure:
- Varies by species; white rhinos are social and form groups, while others are solitary.

Evolution

Rhinos are among the oldest mammals, with ancestors dating back 50 million years. Early rhinoceroses, like the woolly rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis), thrived during the Ice Age in Europe and Asia. Modern rhinos belong to a lineage that has adapted to tropical and subtropical environments. Despite their ancient origins, all five species are now critically endangered or threatened, primarily due to human activity.