Rhinos mark their territories with urine and by dropping their dung in well-defined piles that can reach up to 1 m in height. Groups of adult cows or bachelor bulls are sometimes formed, however, and during the mating season pairs of rhinos may stay together for up to 4 months. Rhinoceroses are basically solitary and territorial except for the mother-child unit. They can, however, attain speeds of up to 45 km per hour for short distances.
Rhinos run with a cumbersome motion, reaching top speed at a canter. They penetrate dense thickets by shear force, often leaving behind a trail that other animals later use.
Rhinos sleep in both standing and laying positions and are fond of wallowing in muddy pools and sandy riverbeds. Members of both groups are herbivores, but they may feed primarily on grasses or on branches, depending on the species. Both Asian and African rhinos are more active in the evening, through the night and in early morning, spending their days resting in heavy cover. African rhinos tend to feed low to the ground whereas Asian rhinos usually browse on leaves. Asian forms fight with their bottom teeth (slashing) whereas African species fight with their horns, using them to toss and gore their adversaries. In general, African rhinos are more aggressive than Asian species. The potential lifespan is approximately 50 years.
Sexual maturity is reached at 7-10 years for bulls and 4-6 years for cows. Cheek teeth of all species have prominent transverse lophs of enamel.įemale rhinos give birth every 2 years to a single calf, which is active soon after birth and remains with the mother until the next offspring is born. In grazing rhinos ( Ceratotherium), the cheek teeth are hypsodont, but they are brachydont in the other genera. The canines and incisors are vestigial except for the lower incisors in Asian rhinos, which are developed into powerful slashing tusks. Rhinos have 24-34 teeth, mostly premolars and molars for grinding (dental formula 1-2/0-1, 0/1-1, 3-4/3-4, 3/3). There is a strongly developed occipital crest. The surface of the nasals where the horns sit is roughened. Nasal bones project forward freely and may extend beyond and above the Rhinos have an elongate skull, which is elevated posteriorly.
#Information about white rhinoceros skin#
Their thick skin is scantily-haired and wrinkled, furrowed or pleated, producing the appearance of riveted armor plates in some species. Rhinos have small eyes and fairly short but prominent and erect ears. Both hind and forefeet are mesaxonic with 3 digits each each digit with a small hoof. Tibia/fibula are only slightly moveable, but they are well-developed and separate. Rhinos have a broad chest and short, stumpy legs. The horns are dermal in origin they are very solid and are composed of compressed, fibrous keratin. Rhinos have massive bodies and a large head with 1-2 horns. All rhinos are generally restricted to areas where a daily trip to water is possible. Rhinoceroses generally inhabit savannahs, shrubby regions and dense forests, and the African species usually live in more open areas than do the Asiatic species. Three of these species are found in south-central Asia and the other two live in Africa south of the Sahara. They are represented by 5 species placed in 4 genera. The family Rhinoceroteridae contains living rhinoceroses.
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