Overview
This subspecies has one single black horn and very little body hair outside of its eye, ear, and tail areas. The horn is present in both males and females. It is the second largest rhino subspecies behind the White rhino and the second largest land mammal in Asia behind the elephant. Legs and shoulder are covered in wart-like bumps and males have huge neck folds.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Family
- Rhinocerotidae
- Genus
- Rhinoceros
Habitat
Grasslands and forests in the himalayan foothills.
Diet
Mainly a grazer.
Behavior
Adult males are usually solitary and cow-calf groups of around 6 individuals is common and will congregate around grazing and wallowing areas. Poor eye-sight but excellent senses of hearing and smell. They are very good swimmers and can run up to 35 mph (56 kmh) for short distances.
Hunting
This specie is not currently hunted. Rhino poaching is a huge problem in India. Years of unregulated hunting were followed by a huge increase in poaching once protective measures were put in place. Park rangers will kill poachers to protect these animals. When in rhino country it is important to stay on guard as these animals will charge and act agressive if they feel threatened or for no apparent reason.
Conservation Status
Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.