If the animal kingdom had to choose a representative of territoriality and strength, it would undoubtedly be the rhinoceros. Currently, there are only five species left: the white and black rhinos (in Africa) and the rhinos of India, Sumatra and Java (in Asia).
This powerful colossus is equipped with an impenetrable armor and has an inimitable corpulence. In terms of proportions, it is exceeded only by certain mammals such as elephants and a few specimens of male hippos.
Rhinos have a fairly limited vision, which would partly explain their aggressiveness because, as they do not distinguish what is happening near them, they are forced to attack. This offensive nature makes them quite solitary animals (especially dominant males).
These creatures can live between 50 and 60 years, as long as they can thrive in their natural habitat and have enough food. Their horn is formed of keratin (like nails, claws and hooves) and both its size and quantity can vary depending on the species of rhinoceros.
Rhinoceros diet
This mammal characterized by a skin with a thickness of 20 to 40 mm belongs to the family of herbivores. It has a wide, flat upper lip, which allows it to easily feed on grasses. It is superfluous to specify that its diet is based on a very wide range of woody branches, grasses and shrubs, which will allow it to maintain its body volume.
In times of drought, the rhinoceros can go up to 5 days without drinking water. Some species roll in the mud to cool off and ward off insects (mosquitoes and flies).
– To read: Symbolism of the rhinoceros
Habitat and reproduction of the rhinoceros
Some species need to live in high pastures, while others adapt better to open areas. What is certain is that, regardless of the type of rhinoceros, all need an environment filled with water, plants and grasses. Rhinos also need a shady place where they can rest and cool off during the hottest times of the day.
Males reach sexual maturity between 7 and 10 years old, while females only require 4 to 6 years to be sexually mature. Gestation can last 570 days and female hippos will only give birth to one baby (approximately 60 kg). You should also know that this animal has really special sexual organs: the penis of the male is oriented backwards, rigidly and the breasts of the female are between their hind legs.
Although rhinos are really quiet by nature, they have been shown to communicate with each other using different sounds like gasps, yelps, and roars, among others. In addition, they use feces and urine to mark their territory.
