The first rhinos roamed the earth 50 million years ago, and these huge herbivores still have a prehistoric appearance.
White rhinos are the second largest land mammals on the planet after elephants.
These huge creatures grow to as much as 7,700 pounds (3,492 kg), and they can devour up to 120 pounds of grass every day. That’s a lot of grass!
Four other rhinoceros species exist today. They include the Black rhino, Indian rhino, Sumatran rhino, and the Javan rhino.
These other rhino species are smaller, but they are still massive animals.
How Much Does A Rhino Weigh?
A Black rhino weighs between 1,700 and 3,100 pounds (771-1,406 kg), while a Javan rhino weighs 2,000 to 5,100 pounds (907-2,313 kg).
Indian rhinos weigh between 3,500 and 4,600 pounds (1,587-2,086 kg).
The Sumatran rhino is the lightest, weighing in at 1,100 to 1,800 pounds (499-816 kg).
How Much Do Rhinos Weigh At Birth?
Newborn White rhinos weigh 88 to 143 pounds (40-65 kg).
All other rhinoceros species are smaller than this when they are born.
The horns on the front of a rhino’s face are its main form of protection, but these horns are also the reason why they are hunted by humans so much.
A rhino horn can fetch huge sums of money on the black market. It’s estimated that poachers kill over 1,000 of these animals every year.
How Fast Can A Rhino Run?
Despite being big, bulky animals, rhinos are no slouches when it comes to running.
An adult rhino can reach speeds of up to 35 mph (56 kph). So you don’t want one of these guys charging after you!
~ Fun Fact ~
A rhino horn is not made from bone. Instead, it is made from keratin, which is what fingernails are made from, as well. It’s solid and contains a huge number of compacted hairs. A rhino horn can grow to 60 inches in length and weigh more than 10 pounds. That’s a lot of weight to be carrying around on your head!
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhinoceros
https://www.livescience.com/27439-rhinos.html
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/w/white-rhinoceros/