Indian rhinoceros (Schleich)

 

The Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), also known as the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, is the largest species of rhinoceros in Asia and the second largest overall. Males are larger than females, reaching a body length of 3.8m and weighing up to 2200kg (4850lbs). The Indian rhinoceros can be identified by the large folds of skin on its body that resemble armor-plating, wart-like bumps on its hind legs and the presence of a single horn on its nose.

The Indian rhinoceros is native to the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent, with the largest population being in the Indian state of Assam. It inhabits grasslands and is usually found near water, feeding primarily on grass and aquatic plants. It is normally a solitary species, but individuals will gather peacefully and frequently playfight; real fighting is usually instigated by bulls, using long sharp incisor teeth. Like all rhino species, the Indian rhinoceros is heavily threatened in the wild, with poaching and habitat destruction among its main threats.

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