Rhinoceros

The rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) is part of the Rhinocerotidae family. Of the five extant species, two are native to Africa and three to southern Asia. The word rhinoceros is derived from Latin and is composed of two words: "nose" and "horn".
In africa, two species of rhinoceros can be found: the white rhino and the black rhino. The two species differ by about 5 million years.
The main difference between white and black rhinos is the shape of the mouth; white rhinos have a wide and flat lip adapted to grazing, and black rhinos prefer leaves.

Rhino Food

All rhinos are herbivores. Some eat grass, others eat buds or leaves.
Being large animals eat a lot. They can use their lips as a finger to gather or snatch food.
Water is very important for rhinos. Not only do they quench their thirst, they swim and wallow in the mud.
The mud layer protects her skin from insect bites. Egrets and other birds sit on the rhino's back feeding and cleaning it from parasites.

Rhino Appearance

The rhino is after the elephant the largest land animal along with the hippopotamus which is similar in size. It has a huge head that continues with a body to match. It can exceed 3.5 tons, has a length of 4.6 m and height of 1.8-2m.
On the muzzle it has the two horns, the front horn being larger, reaching lengths of up to 90 cm. The nape is large and snotty to support the relatively large head.
Colors can range from white-yellow-brown-black. The only portion with hair, or among the few, is found around the ear and tail.
Rincers are not very social, usually preferring to live alone or in small groups with the mother and Cubs. Rhinos can run short distances with the possibility of a sprint reaching 45 km/h.
Males will often struggle to protect their territory and Mate. They mark their territories with urine and dung samples that can reach up to 3m high.

Rhino Behavior

Rhinos are endangered mainly because of hunting. They were shot for trophies, but the main reason they were killed is their horn.
The horn is not attached to the skull and is made of keratin fibers, the same material found in hairs or nails. Rhinos are protected by law, but despite this poaching continues.
Young rhinos make a squeak, and adult rhinos make sounds that humans cannot perceive and that can be heard over great distances, can also be heard through forests.

Rhino Breeding

Females reach sexual maturity at the age of 6-7 years while males reach sexual maturity between 10-12 years. Courtship is often a difficult matter.
The male announces his approach with a sound. Chases take place, and if the female tries to leave her territory she screams and howls loudly.
When the female is ready to mate, they copulate for half an hour. After mating the pair stays together for 5 to 20 days, then each goes his own way.
Gestation lasts 16-18 months until a Chick weighing between 40 and 65 kg appears. In case of danger, the baby runs in front of the mother who will protect him and fight for him when needed.
Weaning begins at 2 months; breastfeeding can continue for up to 12 months. Puppies are born once every 2-3 years. Rhinos have a longevity of 40-50 years.
Adults do not have natural predators because of their huge size, not even young, the latter being rarely attacked.