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| Scientific
Name and Origin |
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| Rhinoceros unicornis
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 Rhinoceros:
from the Greek rhino, meaning "nose" and
ceros, meaning "horn" . |
| Unicornis:
from the Latin uni, meaning "one" and cornis,
meaning "horn" |
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| Classification
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| Kingdom:
Animalia |
| Phylum:
Chordata |
| Class:
Mammalia |
| Order:
Perissodactyla |
| Family:
Rhinocerotidae |
| Genus:
Rhinoceros |
| Species:
Rhinoceros unicornis |
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| Physical
Characteristics |
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Mass: 1500 to
2000 kg.
Both male and female R. unicornis have a single dark
horn on the nose measuring up to 529 mm, which is made
from agglutinated hairs. Their skin has many loose folds,
especially distinct around the neck region in males, which
give the appearance of a suit of armor. The skin is covered
with large tubercules. |
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| Natural
History |
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Food Habits :
The diet consists of grass, fruit, leaves, branches,
aquatic plants, and cultivated crops. Tall reedy grasses
are preferred to short species. The prehensile upper lip
is used to curl around grass stems to bring them into
the mouth. When eating aquatic plants, rhinos submerge
their entire heads and tear the plant up by the roots.
Foraging occurs at night, in early morning, or late afternoon
to avoid the heat of the day. Rhinoceros unicornis drinks
daily and is fond of mineral licks. |
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Reproduction :
Breeding occurs throughout the year. Only dominant bulls
mate, and it is believed that they can assess the reproductive
status of females through scent. Courtship may seem aggressive--males
chase females and fighting often ensues. After a gestation
period of 480 days, one young is born weighing 70 kg.
Weaning usually occurs in one year, although it may last
up to 18 months. Females have young at intervals of about
three years. One week before the next birth, the female
will chase away her previous calf. Sexual maturity is
reached at an age of 9 years for males, and 4 for females.
The lifespan is about 40 years.
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Behavior :
Rhinoceros unicornis is usually solitary except for females
with young. Loosely bound aggregations of a few individuals
do occur, especially at wallowing grounds or foraging
areas. There are loosely defined territories in males
which are not well defended, and often these territories
overlap. Occasionally rhino interactions are aggressive,
characterized by charges, and horn clashes. Fighting between
males is often a cause of death when population densities
are high. Approximately 10 vocalizations are known for
rhinos, including snorts, roars, and honks. Scent deposition
is common, and often large communal dung heaps are formed.
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Social Structure
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Indian rhinoceroses are solitary creatures. However, they
do congregate at bathing areas and wallowing holes. Also,
a female rhinoceros will be accompanied by her calf for
several years. Male rhinoceroses fight for dominance using
their sharp lower teeth and not their horns. During these
fights, their folds of skin help protect sensitive areas.
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Senses :
Rhinoceros have excellent hearing and smell but poor
eyesight. |
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