Rhinoceros (Rhino)

Source: TH

Subject: Species in News

Context: A recent international study shows that rhino dehorning has reduced poaching by nearly 75–78% in African reserves, offering a cost-effective conservation tool.

About Rhinoceros (Rhino):

• What it is? The rhinoceros is a large, herbivorous mammal belonging to the family Rhinocerotidae. It is one of the oldest surviving megafauna, dating back millions of years.

• The rhinoceros is a large, herbivorous mammal belonging to the family Rhinocerotidae.

• It is one of the oldest surviving megafauna, dating back millions of years.

• Habitat: Rhinos occupy diverse ecosystems depending on species:

• Rhinos occupy diverse ecosystems depending on species:

• Grasslands and savannahs Tropical and subtropical forests Swamps, riverine areas, and shrublands

• Grasslands and savannahs

• Tropical and subtropical forests

• Swamps, riverine areas, and shrublands

• Types of rhinos (5 species):

• White rhino (*Ceratotherium simum*): Africa Black rhino (*Diceros bicornis*): Africa Greater one-horned (Indian) rhino (*Rhinoceros unicornis*): India & Nepal Javan rhino (*Rhinoceros sondaicus*): Indonesia Sumatran rhino (*Dicerorhinus sumatrensis*): Indonesia

• White rhino (*Ceratotherium simum*): Africa

• Black rhino (*Diceros bicornis*): Africa

• Greater one-horned (Indian) rhino (*Rhinoceros unicornis*): India & Nepal

• Javan rhino (*Rhinoceros sondaicus*): Indonesia

• Sumatran rhino (*Dicerorhinus sumatrensis*): Indonesia

• Key characteristics:

• Horn made of keratin, not bone (same protein as hair and nails) Herbivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves, shoots, and roots Poor eyesight but strong hearing and smell Semi-aquatic behaviour in some species (Indian rhino) Slow reproduction, making recovery difficult after population loss

• Horn made of keratin, not bone (same protein as hair and nails)

• Herbivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves, shoots, and roots

• Poor eyesight but strong hearing and smell

• Semi-aquatic behaviour in some species (Indian rhino)

• Slow reproduction, making recovery difficult after population loss

• Conservation status:

• Critically Endangered: Javan, Sumatran, Black rhino Vulnerable: Greater one-horned rhino Near Threatened: White rhino

• Critically Endangered: Javan, Sumatran, Black rhino

• Vulnerable: Greater one-horned rhino

• Near Threatened: White rhino

• Significance:

• Biodiversity value: Rhinos are keystone species, shaping grassland and forest ecosystems through grazing and seed dispersal. Ecological balance: Their feeding behaviour maintains habitat heterogeneity, supporting smaller species. Cultural and heritage value: The Indian rhino features in Assam’s natural heritage, especially Kaziranga National Park. Indicator of governance: Rhino conservation reflects state capacity, anti-poaching enforcement, and community participation. Global conservation symbol: Rhino protection is central to global efforts against illegal wildlife trade, alongside elephants and tigers.

• Biodiversity value: Rhinos are keystone species, shaping grassland and forest ecosystems through grazing and seed dispersal.

• Ecological balance: Their feeding behaviour maintains habitat heterogeneity, supporting smaller species.

• Cultural and heritage value: The Indian rhino features in Assam’s natural heritage, especially Kaziranga National Park.

• Indicator of governance: Rhino conservation reflects state capacity, anti-poaching enforcement, and community participation.

• Global conservation symbol: Rhino protection is central to global efforts against illegal wildlife trade, alongside elephants and tigers.