Indian Rhinoceros
The Indian Rhinoceros, also known as the Great One-horned Rhinoceros, is one of the five remains species of rhinoceros. It is found in Nepal, and in Assam, India. The Indian Rhinoceros is generally confined to forests and tall grasslands in the lower hills on approach to the Himilayas.
Indian Rhinoceros
Physical Characteristics
The average full grown Indian Rhinoceros weighs between 2,200 and 3,000 kg, and it's average length is approximately 3.5 m. The height of this species of rhinoceros averages at about 1.7 m. Due to it's thick silver-brown skin which folds all over it's body, this rhinoceros looks like it is equipped with layers of armour. The Indian Rhino has only one horn, which is present in both adult males and females, but not on the newborn. The horn may reach a length of between approximately 20 and 61 cm. The upper legsand shoulders of this rhinoceros are covered in bumps which appear wart-like, and this animal has very little body hair.
Reproduction
The the females reach sexual maturity at about 5 years, while the males reaches it years later, when they are about 9 years old. The females will have their first calves when they are between 6-8 years of age. In contrast to the White Rhino's courtship rituals, the female Indian Rhino is responsible for initiating courtship in which she whistles to let the males know when she is ready to mate. For this reason, fights break out between the males during the mating season, and as Indian Rhinos use their very sharp lower teeth to fight, the results of a fight are sometimes fatal to one of the participants. The females pregnacy lasts for approximately 16 months, and when a calf is born, the mother will chase off it's current calf if it has one. Indian Rhinos can give birth at intervals of approximately three years.
Population
In the early 1900's only about 100 Indian Rhinoceros, but due to conservation efforts, the Indian Rhinoceros population reached about 1,000 in the early 1980's, and present day, there are estimated to be around 2,500 Indian Rhinos in the wild. The Indian Rhinoceros has now moved out of the critically endangered category and settled into endangered now, so conservation of this species is still occuring.
Misc. Info
- They are solitary animals, with the exception of mothers and calves, and breeding pairs
- Their diet includes grasses, leaves, plants and fruits
- The Indian Rhino doesn't use it's horn as a weapon
- Can reach running speeds of up to 55 kmh
- They are excellent swimmers
- Excellent sense of smell and hearing
- Relatively poor eyesight