About the Rhinoceros

Rhinoceroses are large, herbivorous mammals native to Africa and Asia, characterized by their thick skin and one or two horns on their snouts. There are five extant species of rhinos, with some critically endangered due to poaching and habitat loss. Rhinos are among the largest land mammals after elephants, with some species weighing up to 2,000 kg. Despite their size, rhinos can run at speeds of up to 30 mph. They have poor eyesight but acute senses of smell and hearing. Rhinos are generally solitary animals, coming together only to mate. Their horns, made of keratin (the same material as human fingernails), are unfortunately highly valued in some cultures for supposed medicinal properties, leading to severe poaching threats. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these magnificent creatures.