Indian Rhino :India February 10, 2006
The Indian Rhino is one of the two greatest success stories in rhino conservation (the other one being the Southern White Rhino in South Africa). With strict protection from Indian and Nepalese wildlife authorities, Indian Rhino numbers have recovered from under 200 earlier in the 20th Century to around 2,400. However, poaching has remained high and the success is precarious without continued and increased support for conservation efforts in India and Nepal.
Rhinos are not very social, usually living alone or in small groups of mother and offspring. Rhinos can sprint at speeds of 45 kilometers per hour (28 mph). Males will fight each other, often using their horn to cause real damage, to protect their territory and to mate with females. Rhinos mark their territories with urine and dung piles that can be three feet high.
The Indian rhino has occurred in the sub-Himalayan region in historic times, the western limit of its range moving eastward from the foothills of the Hindu Kush west of Peshawar (Pakistan) in the early 1500’s to the Nepal terai in the 20th century. The eastern limit of its historic range is uncertain. Some authors believe that it occurred in Cambodia, Laos,Thailand and Vietnam. Others believe that it never occurred east of the India-Myanmar border, and that reports from east of that border were mistaken, caused by confusing the Indian rhino with the Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus) or the Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis).
The Indian rhino, properly known as the great Indian one horned rhinoceros, is a descendant of an old species of rhino. Despite its fearsome appearance, it is generally a peaceful animal. Measuring over 12 feet long and weighting up to 2 tons, the Indian rhino is bigger and heavier than a car. It may appear to be ponderous and slow, but it can suddenly charge at frightening speed to drive off rivals enemies who stray too close.
- Posted in : Wild Life in India
- Author : seo4india
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