Indian Rhino

Rhinoceros unicornis is derieved from the Greek word rhino, meaning "nose" and ceros, meaning "horn". The Indian rhino, properly known as the great Indian one horned rhinoceros, is a descendant of an old species of rhino. Despite its fearsome appearance, it is generally a peaceful animal. Measuring over 12 feet long and weighting up to 2 tons, the Indian rhino is bigger and heavier than a car.

The Indian rhino is usually solitary except for females with young. Males are not territorial and do not defend their territories which often overlap. Occasionally rhino interactions are aggressive, illustrated by charges, and horn clashes. Fighting between males is often a cause of death when population densities are high. Rhinos often wallow and bathe in the heat of the day to regulate their body temperature and to avoid flies. There are currently approximately 2,400 Indian Rhinos surviving.