Thanks to rampant poaching and habitat destruction, rhinos have the unfortunate distinction of being one of the most endangered animals on earth.
Over the last 30 years, the world’s overall rhinoceros population has declined by over 90% – and if not for dedicated conservation efforts over the last 100 years, it is likely that all rhinoceros species would already be extinct.
To help raise awareness for these proud pachyderms, here are 11 incredible facts about rhinos – plus a compilation of beautiful photos (except for one very graphic photo) and a couple of videos, too. Enjoy!
Rhino fact 1: There are five species of rhino – two in Africa and three in Asia.
African rhino species: The white rhino (Ceratotherium simum) and the black rhino (Diceros bicornis). Asian rhino species: The greater one-horned (Indian) rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis), the Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis), and the Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus).
Pictured: Black rhino
About Rhishja Cota-Larson
Thanks for the info. They are fascinating animals. I did not realize they are fairly closely related to horses.
I read elsewhere that the record size for a white rhino was a specimen of 10,000 pounds!