Rhinoceros

Rhinos are large, thick-skinned herbivores known for their distinctive horns and heavy, muscular build.

40 years

lifespan

5 cm

think skin

2.5 tonne

Weight

Rhinoceroses are large, heavyset mammals with a distinctive prehistoric look, known for their thick skin and prominent horns.

Rhinoceroses are large, thick-skinned mammals native to Africa and Asia, with several distinct species across both continents. They’re known for their heavy builds and one or two keratin-based horns on the snout. While their appearance is striking, rhinos face severe threats from poaching driven by demand for their horns in traditional medicine and the illegal wildlife trade.

Find them at the following tours

Our photo safaris are designed to bring you as close to the wild as possible, so that you can watch and photograph these extraordinary animals in their natural habitat.

Overview

Rhinoceroses are among the largest land mammals, with some species weighing over 2,000 kilograms and standing up to 1.8 meters at the shoulder. Their thick, wrinkled skin acts as natural armor, and their horns made of keratin vary in shape and size depending on the species.

Photographing rhinos offers a chance to capture striking textures, powerful silhouettes, and quiet moments within herds or solitary encounters. Close-ups reveal the layered detail of their skin and horns, while wide shots often frame them against open grasslands, dense bush, or forest edges. With their populations under threat, every sighting in the wild carries weight, making each image not just visually compelling, but meaningful

Key Facts

  • Rhinos are among the most endangered mammals in the world, with several species critically endangered or on the brink of extinction.
  • There are five main species of rhinoceros: white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, Indian rhinoceros, Javan rhinoceros, and Sumatran rhinoceros.
  • Rhinos are herbivores, feeding on grasses, leaves, shoots, and fruits.
  • Rhinos have poor eyesight but compensate with their acute sense of smell and excellent hearing.
  • They have a thick, armour-like skin that can be up to 5 centimetres (2 inches) thick.
  • Rhinos communicate through various vocalizations, body postures, and scent markings.
  • White rhinos are the largest species, with males weighing up to 2,500 kilograms (5,500 pounds).
  • Black rhinos are smaller and more aggressive than white rhinos, with a hooked upper lip specialized for browsing on leaves and twigs.
  • Indian rhinos have a single horn, while Javan and Sumatran rhinos have two.
  • Rhinos play a crucial role in their ecosystems by shaping landscapes, dispersing seeds, and creating water holes.

Types and Habitats

There are five main species of rhinoceros, each with its unique characteristics and habitat preferences. The white rhinoceros is found in grassy plains and savannas of southern and eastern Africa. Black rhinos inhabit dense vegetation areas, including woodlands and shrublands, primarily in eastern and southern Africa. Indian rhinoceros are native to the Indian subcontinent and can be found in the tall grasslands and riverine forests of Nepal and northeastern India. Javan rhinoceros are critically endangered and reside in the dense tropical rainforests of Java, Indonesia. Sumatran rhinoceros are also critically endangered and inhabit dense forests and swampy areas of Sumatra, Indonesia.

These different species of rhinos have adapted to their respective habitats, utilizing their unique physical and behavioural traits. For example, white rhinos have a broad, square-shaped mouth for grazing on grasses, while black rhinos have a prehensile upper lip for browsing on leaves and twigs.

WHERE TO FIND ME

Find them at these destinations

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FAQ

Explore the Fascinating World of This Animal Through These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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