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Indian rhinoceros

Rhinoceros unicornis

Description:

The Indian rhinoceros is a heavily built species and males have average head and body length of 368–380 cm (12.07–12.5 ft) with a shoulder height of 170–185 cm (5.6–6.07 ft) while females have an average head and body length of 310–340 cm (10.2–11.2 ft) and have a shoulder height of 147–173 cm (4.82–5.68 ft). Females typically weigh about 1,600 kg (3,500 lb), and males weigh 2,000–2,130 kg (4,400–4,700 lb). The skull is heavy with a basal length above 60 cm (24 in) and an occiput above 19 cm (7.5 in). The largest sized specimens can range up to 4,000 kg (8,800 lb). The rhino's single horn is present in both males and females, but not on newborn young. The black horn, like human fingernails, is pure keratin and starts to show after about 6 years. In most adults, the horn reaches a length of about 25 cm (9.8 in), but has been recorded up to 57.2 cm (22.5 in) in length. The nasal horn is slightly back-curved with a base of about 18.5 cm (7.3 in) by 12 cm (4.7 in) that rapidly narrows until a smooth, even stem part begins about 55 mm (2.2 in) above base. In captive animals, the horn is frequently worn down to a thick knob. The Indian rhinoceros has thick, silver-brown skin, which becomes pinkish near the large skin folds that cover its body. Its upper legs and shoulders are covered in wart-like bumps. It has very little body hair, aside from eyelashes, ear-fringes and tail-brush. Males develop thick neck-folds. (information from Wikipedia)

Notes:

This spotting took place at Oklahoma City Zoo. In 2007, the total population was estimated to be 2,575 individuals, of which 2,200 lived in Indian protected areas. (information from Wikipedia)

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1 Comment

Smith'sZoo
Smith'sZoo 11 years ago

Great series! Thank you for adding it to the Rhino Mission Aaron! Happy World Rhino Day!

Aaron_G
Spotted by
Aaron_G

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA

Spotted on May 4, 2012
Submitted on May 6, 2012

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