Habitat and Distribution:
The preferred habitat of Indian rhinoceros is alluvial floodplains and areas containing tall grasslands along the foothills of the Himalayas. Formerly, extensively distributed in the Gangetic plains, today the species is restricted to small habitats in Indo-Nepal terai and North Bengal, and Assam. In India rhinos are found in Kaziranga, Orang, Pobitora, Jaldapara, Dudhwa.
Unique Characteristics:
Largest of the Asian rhinos and most amphibious of all the rhino species, Indian rhino is an excellent swimmer. it has a single horn present both in males and females.
- Running speed: 55km/hr
- Senses: excellent hearing & smelling power but poor eyesight
- Weight: 2000- 2500kg(adult male); around 1600kg(adult female)
- Gestation period: 16 months
For years rhinos have been wildly slaughtered for their horn, a prized ingredient in traditional Asian medicines. destruction of their habitats over the years, has brought the rhinos to the brink of extinction. These animals are among the world's most endangered species. The great one horned rhino could once be found from Pakistan from all the way through India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar. By the turn of the century, this species had vanished from much of its range, and today only about 2500 survive in India and Nepal. Throughout their range their habitat continues to dwindle fast due to conversion of grassland habitats to agricultural fields and other human pressures. The threat of poaching continues to be ever present.
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