GREATER ONE-HORNED RHINO
DESCRIPTION
The Greater One-Horned Rhino, also known as the Indian Rhino, is characterized by its large size and a single horn on its snout, which can grow up to 25 inches long. Its skin is thick and folds into large, plate-like structures, giving it a unique armored appearance. These rhinos are generally solitary and are known for their aggressive behavior, especially when threatened, but they can also be seen in small groups, particularly mothers with calves.
FUN FACTS
- The Greater One-Horned Rhino is the largest of the rhino species and has a unique skin structure that resembles armor, which helps protect it from predators and environmental elements
- | They are excellent swimmers and can submerge themselves in water, using their horn to dig for food in riverbeds and wetlands
QUICK INFO
Lifespan30-40 years in the wild, up to 50 in captivity
Average Weight1,800-2,700 kg
Average Length3.0-3.8 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuresolitary, with mothers and calves forming temporary groups
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks during the monsoon season
- Habitat
- This species typically inhabits grasslands, wetlands, and forests, often near rivers and swamps. They prefer areas with dense vegetation for cover and access to water sources.
- Biomes
- Grassland, Wetland, Forest
- Native Range
- The Greater One-Horned Rhino is native to the Indian subcontinent, primarily found in India and Nepal.
- Continent
- Asia
- Countries
- India, Nepal
- Diet
- The Greater One-Horned Rhino is primarily a herbivore, feeding on a variety of grasses, leaves, and fruits. They are known to graze in tall grasslands and can also consume aquatic plants.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- grasses, leaves, fruits
- Social Structure
- solitary, with mothers and calves forming temporary groups
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-3
- Territorial
- 1
EN
1,800-2,700 kg
Weight
3.0-3.8 m
Length
1.5-2.0 m at shoulder
Height (Shoulder)
- Coloration
- grayish-brown with a rough, wrinkled skin texture
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are generally larger than females
- Lifespan
- 30-40 years in the wild, up to 50 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 480 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 4-6 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round, with peaks during the monsoon season
VU
Vulnerable
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Greater One-Horned Rhinos has been recovering due to conservation efforts, but they remain vulnerable.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 3,500-4,000
- Population Trend
- Increasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- The main threats to the Greater One-Horned Rhino include poaching for their horns and habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and human encroachment. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect their habitats and reduce poaching.
- Conservation Program
- Kaziranga National Park conservation efforts
- Predators
- tigers, humans
- Defense Mechanisms
- They have thick skin and a large size, which deters many predators, and they can charge at threats with great speed.
- Compatible Animals
- none
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon