The Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), also called the greater one-horned rhinoceros, is the largest of the three rhino species of Asia, and has a single horn which can grow to approximately 60 centimetres in length. Like all rhino horns, it is composed of keratin, a protein also found in human hair and nails, than bone. The hairless skin of the Indian rhinoceros is grey or greyish-brown, and has many loose folds as well as lumps, known as tubercles, giving this species an armor-plated appearance. The male Indian rhino, which is generally bigger than the female, has large, sharp incisors that may be used in fights over females during the breeding season. The Indian rhino is often accompanied by egrets and various species of ‘tick birds’, including myna birds, that ride on its back and are thought to feed on parasites between the folds of the rhino’s skin.
Diet[]
Indian rhinos mainly eat tall grass and leaves.
Size[]
Indian rhinos can grow up to 5 ft tall, and 4,000 lbs.
Lifespan[]
Indian rhinos can live up to 50 years in the wild. Up to 60 years in captivity.
Predators[]
Indian rhino calves are often hunted by bengal tigers and mugger crocodiles. Adults are usually only hunted by poachers for their horns, which are thought to have medicinal purposes, which, in real life, the rhino horn only helps the rhino himself, well, only when it's attached to the animal.
