GREATER ONE-HORNED RHINOCEROS
Rhinoceros unicornis
DESCRIPTION
The Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, also known as the Indian Rhinoceros, is a large herbivorous mammal characterized by its single horn and thick, folded skin. It is primarily found in the grasslands and forests of the Indian subcontinent.
FUN FACTS
- The Greater One-horned Rhinoceros is the largest of the rhino species | They can run at speeds of up to 30 km/h | Their skin has a unique texture that resembles armor
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 females often accompanied by their calves
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks during the monsoon season
- Habitat
- The Greater One-horned Rhinoceros inhabits grasslands, wetlands, and forests, often near rivers and swamps. These habitats provide ample food and water sources.
- Biomes
- Grassland, Wetland, Forest
- Native Range
- The species is native to the Indian subcontinent, particularly in India and Nepal.
- Continent
- Asia
- Countries
- India, Nepal
- Diet
- This species primarily feeds on grasses, leaves, and fruits. It has a preference for tall grasses and is known to graze in the early morning and late afternoon.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- grasses, leaves, fruits
- Social Structure
- solitary, with females often accompanied by their calves
- 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
- approximately 15-16 months
- 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 Rhinoceroses has been recovering due to conservation efforts, but they remain vulnerable.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 3,500-4,000
- Population Trend
- Increasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss due to agriculture and human encroachment, as well as poaching for their horns.
- Conservation Program
- Project Tiger and various national parks in India and Nepal focus on protecting this species.
- Predators
- tigers, humans
- Defense Mechanisms
- They have thick skin and can charge at threats, using their size and strength as a defense.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon