Lecture Notes on Rhinoceroses

Overview

• Meaning: Rhinoceros means "nose horn"
• Ancestors: Most didn't have horns or had unusual ones

Current Rhino Species

• Total Species: Five
  • Africa: Black rhinos and white rhinos
  • Asia: Indian rhinos, Javan rhinos, Sumatran rhinos
• Conservation Status: All species threatened by poaching and habitat loss
  • Success Story: Southern white rhinos increased from <100 in the late 1800s to >20,000 today

Population Comparison

• Asia: <3,000 wild rhinos
• Historic: Ancient populations exceeded 500,000

Physical Characteristics

• Largest Species: White rhinos can exceed 10 feet long, 5 feet tall, and weigh ~5,000 pounds
• Speed: Can run >30 mph for short distances
• Hair: Sumatran rhinos are hairy; others have minimal hair
• Skin: Thick, either smooth or folded (armored appearance)
• Famous Artwork: Dürer's Rhinoceros, known for its inaccuracy

Rhino Horns

• Composition: Made of keratin, like pangolin scales
• Myths: Believed to have curative properties, but unfounded
• Trade: Horn trade banned globally to protect populations

Cultural Significance

• Unicorns: Rhinos historically called unicorns
• Legend: "Lord of the Desert" myth from Indian rhinos

Habitat and Behavior

• African Rhinos: Grasslands and floodplains
• Asian Rhinos: Swamps and rainforests
• Behavior: Enjoy water and mud-baths for cooling and insect relief
• Feeding: Primarily at dusk, dawn, and night

Diet and Defense

• Diet: Vegetarian, but not necessarily docile
  • Combat: African species use horns, Asian species use tusk-like incisors
• Territory and Mating: Source of conflict

Social Behavior

• Solitary: Generally solitary except during breeding
• Reproduction:
  • Gestation: ~2 years, usually one calf
  • Calf Development: Remains with mother for 2 years; sexually mature within a decade

Lifespan

• Lifespan: Up to 50 years

Engagement

• Further Learning: Links provided for more rhino facts
• Audience Interaction: Encouraged to comment and engage with content