Rhinoceros, or rhinos, as they are more commonly known, are among the most fascinating animals on the planet. And that’s not only because of their size or their distinct horns. To learn why, check out some of these fun facts about rhinos you probably didn’t know.
There Are 5 Different Rhino Species
The Rhino family has five different species: white, black, Indian, Javan, and Sumatran. Javan rhino is the most endangered of them all, with estimates that only 60 specimens exist in the whole world. Sumatran is the smallest, standing at 4 ft 3 in compared to 6.6 ft that white rhino can reach.
Rhino’s Horns Are Similar to Our Fingernails
Rhino horns are made out of keratin, the same protein that forms human hair and fingernails. The horn constantly grows over the course of the rhino’s life at a pace of 2.5 inches per year.
White and Black Rhinos Are Grey
White rhino and black rhino are two different species, but the difference is not in their color, as they are both grey. White rhino got its name after the African word “wyd,” used to describe the rhino’s characteristic wide upper lip, which was mistakenly understood as “white” by foreigners. To avoid confusion, they named a similar rhino species, the “black” rhino.
Rhinos Are Surprisingly Fast
Don’t think you can outrun a rhino just because they are huge. As it turns out, rhinos are surprisingly fast, being able to reach a speed of 30 mph.
Rhinos Communicate Using Funny Noises and Poop
Rhinos have one of the most interesting ways of communicating with each other. They sneeze, snort, scream, and produce all sorts of other different funny noises depending on their mood. Also, studies have found that rhinos can differentiate and learn more about other members of their social group by smelling their poop.
