Meet the Rhino

Rhinos are large, thick-skinned herbivores native to Africa and Asia. They are known for their prominent horns, which are made of keratin (the same material as human hair and nails). There are five species of rhinos, two in Africa (the White Rhino and the Black Rhino) and three in Asia (the Indian Rhino, the Javan Rhino, and the Sumatran Rhino).

Fun Facts:

1. Horns Are Not True Horns: Rhino horns are composed of keratin, unlike true horns, which have a bony core. They can grow throughout a rhino’s life.
2. Poor Vision, Keen Sense of Smell: Rhinos have poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell and hearing, helping them detect predators or other rhinos from a distance.
3. Thick Skin, Thin Epidermis: Their skin is about 1.5 to 5 centimeters thick but is very sensitive to sunburn. Rhinos often wallow in mud to protect their skin from the sun and parasites.
4. Social Behaviors: White rhinos are more social and often found in groups, while black rhinos are more solitary.
5. Conservation Status: Several rhino species are critically endangered due to poaching and habitat loss, making conservation efforts crucial for their survival.

Rhinos are truly remarkable animals, both in their physical adaptations and their place in the ecosystem.