10 Essential Facts About Rhinos

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Saving Rhinos LLC | PO Box 750144 | Petaluma, CA 94975-0144 | savingrhinos.org | rhinoconservation.org

Rhinos have the unfortunate distinction of being one of the most endangered animals on earth.

Over the last 40 years, the worlds rhinoceros population has declined by over 90% - and if not for 100 years of dedicated conservation efforts, it is likely that all rhinoceros species would already be extinct. But those efforts are now at risk. The illegal trade in rhino horn has risen sharply over the last few years as demand from China and Vietnam - where rhino horn is prized as a medicine - has grown to an unprecedented level. Public awareness about the effect of the continued use of illegal rhino horn in traditional Chinese medicine is desperately needed. To help raise public awareness about rhinos and the dangers they are facing, here are 10 essential facts about rhinos for you to enjoy - and share. Thank you for helping me raise public awareness about the illegal trade in rhino horn.

- Rhishja Larson

Rhino

Fact

There are five species of rhinoceros.

African Rhino Species Asian Rhino Species

Black rhino, Diceros bicornis White rhino, Ceratotherium simum Greater one-horned (Indian) rhino, Rhinoceros unicornis Sumatran rhino, Dicerorhinus sumatrensis Javan rhino, Rhinoceros sondaicus

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Rhino

Fact

The white rhino and greater one-horned rhino weigh about 4,000 - 6,000 pounds, stand roughly 6 feet high at the shoulder, and are 12 - 15 feet in length. These two rhino species are the second largest land mammals after the elephant. The smallest rhino species is the Sumatran rhino, standing just 3 - 5 feet at the shoulder. The black rhino weighs in at 1,750 - 3,000 pounds, standing about 5 feet at the shoulder, and reaching 10 - 12 feet in length. The Javan rhino weighs about 2,000 - 5,000 pounds, stands 5 - 5.5 feet at the shoulder, and reaches 11.5 feet in length. The Vietnamese subspecies of Javan rhino is smaller - about the size of the Sumatran rhino.

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Rhino

Fact

Despite their large size, rhinos are fast and agile: They can run 30 mph for short distances and turn on a dime.

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Shankar Chaudhary/NTNC

Rhino

Fact

Extensive scientific testing has confirmed that rhino horn is NOT medicine. The continued use of illegal rhino horn in traditional Chinese medicine is pushing this species closer to extinction. The demand for rhino horn is fulfilled by organized crime syndicates operating throughout Africa, China, and Southeast Asia. Unfortunate superstitions and myths attribute medicinal properties to the rhinos horn. Illegal rhino horn is sold in Vietnam and China (both online and in traditional medicine shops) as a remedy for pain, fever, acne, laryngitis, mumps, herpes, epilepsy, and even cancer.

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Rhino

Fact

The front horn of the African rhino species can reach over 4 feet in length, while the Asian rhino species have smaller horns, typically less than two feet in length. The horn is comprised of keratin, the same material as hair and fingernails. At some rhino sanctuaries, the horns are removed in an effort to protect the rhinos from being killed for their horns. However, this method of protecting rhinos remains controversial.

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Rhino

Fact

Rhinos have three toes on each foot.

Although rhinos - along with hippos and elephants - are referred to as pachyderms, rhinos are actually more closely related to tapirs and horses. Rhinos, tapirs, and horses are found in the order Perissodactyla (odd-toed ungulates).

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PARC/Nepal rhinonepal.org

Rhino

Fact

A group of rhinos is called a crash.

A crash of white rhinos, greater one-horned rhinos, and black rhinos typically consists of females, calves and perhaps subadult offspring. Javan and Sumatran rhinos are thought to remain solitary, except when a female is caring for a calf. Male rhinos of all species are generally loners; however, territories may overlap.

Photo credit: PARC/Nepal rhinonepal.org

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Rhinos are intelligent.

Rhino

Fact

Rhinos living in zoos require plenty of mental stimulation for good health. Captive rhinos are trained using treats and clickers to understand several commands, so that keepers and vets can perform thorough health examinations - especially the sensitive feet. Rhinos also learn their names, and most of them enjoy human attention, such as a good scratch. Captive rhinos have even learned to paint and play fetch.

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Rhino

Fact

Two subspecies of rhino have fewer than 10 individuals surviving. Two additional subspecies consist of fewer than 100 rhinos. Just seven Northern white rhinos (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) are left in the world. The Vietnamese subspecies (Rhinoceros sondaicus annamiticus) of the Javan rhino has a population of perhaps four or five wild rhinos. The most numerous Javan rhino subspecies (Rhinoceros sondaicus sondaicus) consists of about 48 wild rhinos. It is believed there are only about 50 Borneo rhinos (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harrissoni) still surviving.

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Rhino

Fact

10

Status and populations of the living rhino species (2010): Critically Endangered Javan Rhino: Possibly 48 Critically Endangered Sumatran Rhino: Approx. 200 Critically Endangered Black Rhino: About 4,860 Vulnerable Greater One-Horned (Indian) Rhino: Approx. 2,949 Near Threatened Southern White Rhino: Approx. 20,600

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HowYOU can help

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RHINOS

Please take a few moments to help raise public awareness about the illegal trade in rhino horn. You can share information about the illegal rhino horn trade using social media tools such as blogs, Twitter,
Saving Rhinos publishes articles, web content, and printable communication materials that are easy to share.

Learn more at savingrhinos.org & rhinoconservation.org

Thank you for sharing this urgent message: Rhino horn is NOT medicine.

Contact: Saving Rhinos LLC PO Box 750144 | Petaluma, CA 94975-0144 savingrhinos.org | rhinoconservation.org

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