The Great Indian Rhinoceros is found in India, Bhutan and Nepal in wildlife sanctuaries in the sub-
Himalayan belt. The estimated population of wild rhinoceroses in national parks worldwide is
approximately 2400 of which 1600 are in India, primarily in the Kaziranga and Manas wildlife
sanctuaries in Assam in North East India.
A fully-grown male Rhino can reach up to 1.8 meters high and 3.6 meters long and can weigh over 2
tonnes (or 2000 Kg). The distinctive horn of the Rhinoceros is seen after Rhinos are a year old and
can grow to a size of 20 - 60 cm. Tall grass, thick forests, and swamps are Rhino territory. The
Rhino spends a significant amount of time during the day, wallowing in mud or marshy pools.
The Indian Rhinoceros feeds on grass, leaves and twigs. It usually feeds in the morning and evening
and spends the hot daytime cooling off in a mud wallow. The prehensile upper lip of the Rhino helps
it in feeding. Calves live with their mothers for several years. Male Rhinos are known to fight
over territory and during the mating season. The Rhino's horn is used as a threatening display as
well as to attack other male Rhinos or any intruders in its territory. Rhinos can run fast, up to
55 Kmph for short distances and rely on their sharp sense of smell and hearing. Their eyesight is
comparatively poor. Rhinos live for 30-45 years in the wild and have been recorded as living up to
47 years in captivity.
The Indian Rhinoceros is an endangered species. The pressure of human populations on the last
remaining habitats of the rhinoceros, poaching for the sake of its horn and tiger predation of its
calves are threats to its continued survival in the wild.
