Rhino's Historic Range

Years ago, rhinos used to have a vast range. However, at present, due to habitat loss and poaching, their range is very small.

Here is a Black Rhino's historic and present range:

 

White Rhino:

Rhinos Over The Years

The rhino population has been rapidly decreasing over the years. Before 2008 the rhinos were doing fine but in 2008 the Chinese minister announced that rhino horns could be used to cure cancer. Ever since then there has been a high demand on rhino horn, especially in China. What people don't understand is that rhino horn is made of the same thing as our nails, hair and teeth. I have provided a bar chart on how many rhinos have been poached each year.

Most of the kills have been happening in South Africa where approximately four rhinos are killed each day.

Species of Rhinos

There were once five species of rhinos but unfourtunately, due to serious rhino poaching one species was announced extinct in October 2011.

1.                                      The Black Rhino

Weight: 800-1350kg

Height at shoulder: 1,4-1,7m

Lifespan in wild: 30 to 40 years

Lifespan in captivity: 35 years

There are approximately 3,100 Black Rhinos left in the wild. The Black Rhinos are quite solitary animals however a recent experiment has shown that at night they meet up for social meetings. They are more active during the night and early morning.

 

  

2. The White Rhino

Weight: 1,800-2,700kg

Height at shoulder: 1,5-1,8m

Lifespan: 40-50

There are approximately 11,670 White Rhinos left in the wild. White Rhinos are more social and they often live in small herds.

3. The Indian Rhino

Weight: 1,800-2,700kg

Height at shoulder: 1,75-2m

Lifespan: 40 to 50 years

There are only approximately 2,000 Indian Rhinos left in the wild. The Indian Rhino only has one horn unlike the others. The Indian Rhino also has a double layer of armour.

4. The Sumatran Rhino

Weight: 600-950kg

Height at shoulder: 1-1,5m

Lifespan: 30-45 years (the record in captivity is 28 and 1/2 years)

There are fewer than 400 Sumatran Rhinos left in the world due to habitat destruction and poaching. They are the only Asian rhinos that have two horns. They are also the only rhinos with fur/hair.

5. The Javan Rhino (extinct)

The Javan Rhino was declared extinct in October 2011. The Javan Rhino was a Vietnamese rhino and became extinct because of serious over poaching.

Rhinos In Trouble!

Around the world, people have been poaching rhinos for their horns. They do this mainly because of people's belief that rhino horns can be used in medicine. Experts say that if we do not take action now, in less then ten years the rhinos will become extinct. Please raise awareness about this.