Rhinoceroses, commonly called rhinos, are some of the most impressive animals on Earth. Their enormous bodies, thick skin, powerful horns, and prehistoric appearance make them instantly recognizable.
Although rhinos can look slow and heavy, they are surprisingly fast, alert, and capable of defending themselves when threatened. There are five living species of rhinoceros, and each has unique characteristics and adaptations.
Let’s explore some of the most interesting facts about rhinoceroses.
1. There Are Five Living Rhino Species
Today, there are five living species of rhinoceros:
- White rhinoceros
- Black rhinoceros
- Greater one-horned rhinoceros
- Sumatran rhinoceros
- Javan rhinoceros
They live in different parts of Africa and Asia and vary in size, appearance, habitat, and behavior.
Sadly, several rhino species and subspecies have already disappeared from the wild because of human activities.
2. Rhinos Are Surprisingly Fast
Despite their huge size, rhinos can run surprisingly quickly.
Some rhino species can reach speeds of around 40–50 km/h over short distances.
Their speed can be especially surprising because of their heavy bodies and thick legs.
When a rhino feels threatened, it can charge rapidly, making it a formidable animal to approach.
3. Their Horns Are Made of Keratin
A rhino’s horn may look like a bone growing from its head, but it is actually made primarily of keratin.
Keratin is the same type of protein found in human hair and fingernails.
Unlike horns with a bony core, rhino horns are made of densely packed keratin fibers.
4. Some Rhinos Have Two Horns
Many rhino species have two horns.
The black rhinoceros, white rhinoceros, and Sumatran rhinoceros typically have two horns, while the greater one-horned rhinoceros has one prominent horn.
The Javan rhinoceros also has a single horn, with the horn being much smaller in females and sometimes barely visible.
5. White Rhinos Are Not Actually White
Despite their name, white rhinos are not truly white.
Their skin is generally gray, similar to that of other rhinoceroses.
The name is widely believed to have developed from a misunderstanding involving the shape of the animal’s mouth. White rhinos have broad, square-shaped lips adapted for grazing, which helped distinguish them from black rhinos.
6. Black and White Rhinos Have Different Feeding Styles
One useful way to distinguish black and white rhinos is their feeding behavior.
White rhinos are primarily grazers, meaning they mainly eat grasses.
Black rhinos are primarily browsers, using their pointed lips to feed on leaves, twigs, and shrubs.
Their different feeding habits allow the two species to use different food resources in some of the same landscapes.
7. Rhinos Have Surprisingly Thick Skin
A rhino’s skin can be several centimeters thick in some areas.
It provides protection from environmental conditions and minor injuries. However, thick skin does not mean rhinos are completely protected from parasites or insects.
Rhinos may spend time in mud to cool themselves and protect their skin.