Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros

Rhinoceros Unicornis

Scientific Name

Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros:  
Rhinoceros Unicornis

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

The Indian rhinoceros was once extensively distributed throughout most of India. Now its range is limited to northern Assam, northern Bengal and eastern Nepal.

Natural Habitat

Though it prefers to live in swamps and grass areas, the Indian rhino can also be found in wooded jungle, ravines and low hills.

Physical Characteristics

  • The Indian rhino is the largest of the rhinos found in Asia.  Male rhinos may reach heights of six feet at the shoulder and may weigh up to 5,000 pounds or more.  Both males and females have large, singular horns on their nose that have been known to grow as long as 24 inches. Their bodies are long and boat shaped. They possess an ungainly head and thick skin with numerous folds.  The skin of this massive creature is divided into great shields by heavy folds, creating the impression of armor plates; folds of thinner skin allow body movement and flexibility.  On the flanks, shoulders and hindquarters, the skin is studded with masses of rounded tubercles (a small raised area).

Quick Facts

  1. Despite its weight, the Indian rhino can reach speeds of 30 mph when charging.

  2. The Buffalo Zoo has been successful breeding this species both naturally and by scientific methods of assisted reproduction, producing 3 offspring to this point.

  3. They have excellent senses of hearing and smell but relatively poor eyesight.

Exhibit

Rhino Yards

Conservation Status

Critically Endangered: The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

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Diet

Herbivore

This herbivore eats mainly grasses. In human care they are fed alfalfa hay, grasses and greens.