Rhinoceroses are an amazing and fearsome animal. About these giants have long formed various legends and myths, and the horn was attributed all sorts of mystical abilities. This increased attention to the animal is not surprising, because the white rhino is the second largest of all land. Unfortunately, its extraordinary characteristics led to the fact that this species is very small at the moment.
Population reduction
Because of the increased interest in this creature, people began to catch it. But even with the years the curiosity of man has not died out, and the hunt for this beast continues until now. Rhinoceros meat is edible. That is why their numbers are constantly decreasing. Previously, there were many different subspecies of this animal, but today there are only five of them. Among them the largest is the white rhinoceros, and it is listed in the Red Book. Today, this exotic animal is protected by law. At the moment the number of livestock is about 10 thousand individuals. This indicator indicates that the protection program is working quietly.
The name of the animal
Surprisingly, in fact, this animal does not have a white color, although it has this name. In fact, the skin color of the beast is predominantly gray, like that of the black rhinoceros. But at the very beginning there was a confusion with the name of the animal, and instead of "wide" the colonists translated this word as "white", because the English sound is a bit like. They began to call the rhinoceros less "black".
Character of the animal
Seeing for the first time a rhino, you can be scared, because it is very large. The length of his body on average reaches four meters. If measured at the withers, then its height reaches two meters. The maximum weight of a white rhinoceros is five tons. Such dimensions are very impressive, and not for nothing, because this is a ferocious beast. The most aggressive are the males, who often arrange fights. The struggle of this animal is cruel. Sometimes a loser dies from the blows of a restless enemy who is not going to end the battle. It's dangerous for other inhabitants of the savannah to get caught in the eyes of an angry animal, as the weight of a white rhinoceros excludes chances to remain whole, and its impact can become fatal for a beast caught under the hot arm. It is also very easy to irritate.
Appearance
More often the white rhinoceros have a dark gray color. His muzzle is pulled down because of the two horns that are present on his nose. The front horn is unusually long and can grow up to one and a half meters. The record, which was fixed, is 158 cm. The second process is usually much smaller, and sometimes it can be completely invisible. Zoologists assume that the first horn is designed to clear the path in the bush, for more convenient feeding. The maximum weight of a white rhinoceros was noted in an old individual, so animals with an average mass of 2.5 tons are more common. Modern indicators recorded another highest figure for an adult. The maximum weight of a white rhinoceros in kilograms was 3,850. The constitution of this beast is very massive, and the skin is too dense and has almost no hair. The neck of the animal is very short. The rhinoceros have low three-toed feet. The toes end in hoofs. Usually these animals slowly wander. But, despite the max. The weight of a white rhinoceros, it is capable of reaching speeds of up to 45 km / h. Of course, he can not run so far.
Lifestyle
White rhinoceros often inhabit small groups. These herds usually include several females, their babies and teenagers, who are already able to eat without the help of the mother. Sometimes old males can join this group, which do not stick, but simply roam around. If a long-term rhinoceros tries to mate, it is expelled, and sometimes can be killed. Even the maximum weight of a white rhinoceros will not save him from enraged females. During the hot days animals try to hide in the shade. With the arrival of the evening the herd goes to the pasture. At a time when the weather pleases with a moderate temperature, rhinoceroses feed almost continuously. Their diet includes grass. As these mites often get ticks, they need to go to ponds, where they are waiting for turtles, saving animals from this scourge. In his life, a rhinoceros mostly enjoys the sense of smell. The rest of the sense organs are not so important for this mammal. It is interesting that, with the right blow of the wind, a person can approach this beast by 35 meters. Despite its ferocity, the white kind of rhinoceros is most often afraid of a person and, as soon as it discovers it nearby, tries to escape. At the same time, its speed will be about 30 km / h.
Cubs
The reproduction period of rhinoceroses has not been thoroughly studied by man. Usually the rally begins in July and ends in three months. The female bred its offspring for 18 months. Rhinoceroses bring only one baby. The maximum weight of a white rhino that was just born is 25 kg. After birth, a day passes, and the baby can already follow the mother. After another seven days he begins to pluck the grass by himself, although he continues to feed on milk for another 12 months. When the kids are in danger, the females guard them, making a ring around them, turning their heads outward to fight off predators. Young animals become sexually mature only after seven years. After birth, the rhinoceros take care of the offspring and after only three years can bring another heir.