Mammal Stereotypes - Rhinoceroses - 30 - Page 1

Aggressive, villainous

Members of the rhinoceros family are characterized by their large size; as well as by an herbivorous diet; a thick protective skin, 1.5-5 cm thick; relatively small brains for mammals this size; and a large horn. They generally eat leafy material, although their ability to ferment food in their hindgut allows them to subsist on more fibrous plant matter, if necessary. Unlike other perissodactyls, the two African species of rhinoceros lack teeth at the front of their mouths, relying instead on their powerful premolar and molar teeth to grind up plant food.

Rhinoceros are killed by humans for their horns, which are bought and sold on the black market. East Asia, specifically Vietnam, is the largest market for rhino horns. Rhino horns cost as much as gold on the black market. People grind up the horns and then consume them believing the dust has therapeutic properties. Both African species and the Sumatran rhinoceros have two horns, while the Indian and Javan rhinoceros have a single horn.