The only other perissodactyls on earth today are horses, zebras, and donkeys (all belonging to genus Equus), and the strange, pig-like mammals known as tapirs. Rhinoceroses are characterized by their large sizes, quadrupedal postures, and single or double horns on the ends of their snouts-the name rhinoceros is Greek for "nose horn." These horns probably evolved as a sexually selected characteristic-that is, males with bigger, more prominent horns were more successful with females during mating season. Rhinoceroses are perissodactyls, or odd-toed ungulates, a family of mammals characterized by their herbivorous diets, relatively simple stomachs, and an odd number of toes on their feet (one or three). The greater one-horned rhinos horn is 8 to 24 inches (20 to 61 cm), and Javan rhinos have a horn that is about 10 inches (25 cm) long. Greater One-horned Rhinos flourish in what are arguably the worlds tallest grasslands, in protected areas along the main river. Habitat: Subharan Africa, Southeast Asia, Indian subcontinentĬonservation Status: Three species are Critically Endangered (Javan, Sumatran, black), one is Vulnerable (Indian), one is Near Threatened (white) Description Poaching and illegal trade in body parts as well as conversion of grassland habitat for agriculture caused the decline. By 1900 there were fewer than 200 animals left. The species was once widespread across Asia, but overhunting and habitat loss led to its. Size: 4–15 feet tall, 7–15 feet long, depending on species Greater one-horned rhinos were nearly hunted to extinction for their horns which were believed to have medicinal properties. The last known individual was a female named Queenie, who died in 1915. sondaicos, Dicerorhinus sumatrensisĬommon Name: White, Black, Indian, Javan, Sumatran Weyerhaeuser / WWF Learn more about the five different species of rhino. Scientific Name: Five species are Ceratotherium simum, Diceros bicornis, Rhinoceros unicornis, R. Habitats Tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannahs and shrublands, tropical moist forests, deserts and shrublands © Frederick J.
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