DID YOU KNOW? |
SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION |
--The name rhinoceros comes from the Greek words rhino (nose) and ceros (horn).
--The white rhinoceros' head can weigh 800 to 1,000 pounds!
--Although rhinoceros are considered pachyderms (thick-skinned), their skin is actually sensitive to sunburn and biting insects. That's why they like to wallow in the mud!
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| Class: |
Mammalia |
| Order: |
Perissodactyla |
| Family: |
Rhinocerotidae |
| Genus: |
Ceratotherium |
| Species: |
simum |
FAST FACTS |
| Weight: |
3,100 to 7,900 pounds with males being larger than females |
| Length: |
12 to 13 feet |
| Height: |
Up to 6 feet at the shoulder |
| Life Span: |
40-45 years |
| Gestation: |
15 to 16 months |
| # of young: |
1 |
| Range: |
Eastern and southern Africa |
| Diet: |
Herbivore, primarily eats grass or leaves |
Energy & Conservation
For centuries, rhinos have been hunted for the suspected medicinal value of their horn. However, like our hair and fingernails, a rhino's horn is made of keratin and has no medicinal properties. In order to prevent poaching, some countries dehorn their rhinos. This process is painless and removes the valuable horn, making it less attractive to poachers. |
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