Rhinos are powerful, iconic creatures known for their imposing stature and distinctive horns. Their presence evokes ancient strength and resilience.
Not All Rhinos Have Two Horns
Not all rhino species possess two horns. The number of horns varies among the five extant species, broadly categorizing rhinos into those with a single horn and those with two. Rhino horns are made of keratin, the same protein found in human hair and nails.
The Single-Horned Rhinos
Two of the five rhino species are characterized by having a single horn. The Indian rhinoceros, also known as the greater one-horned rhino, has a single, prominent horn that grows up to 60 centimeters (about 24 inches) in length. This species has thick, folded skin resembling armor plating and inhabits the grasslands and forests of India and Nepal.
The Javan rhinoceros is another single-horned species, though its horn is typically smaller than that of the Indian rhino, especially in females where it may be barely visible or absent. These rhinos are generally smaller than their Indian counterparts and have less prominent skin folds. Critically endangered, Javan rhinos are found in a single national park on the island of Java, Indonesia.
The Two-Horned Rhinos
The remaining three rhino species possess two horns. The black rhinoceros, native to eastern and southern Africa, has two horns, with the front horn typically longer and more pointed, measuring between 50 and 140 centimeters (about 20 to 55 inches). This species is a browser, distinguished by its prehensile, hooked upper lip, which helps it grasp leaves and twigs.
The white rhinoceros, found in Africa, is the largest rhino species and has two horns, with the front horn often longer than the rear one, reaching up to 150 centimeters (about 59 inches). Unlike the black rhino, the white rhino has a broad, square lip adapted for grazing on grasses. There are two subspecies of white rhino: the southern white rhino and the critically endangered northern white rhino.
The Sumatran rhinoceros, the smallest and hairiest of all rhino species, features two horns, though they are relatively small compared to those of African rhinos. Its front horn usually measures 15 to 25 centimeters (about 6 to 10 inches), while the rear horn is often a mere stub. This species has a reddish-brown, shaggy coat and inhabits dense tropical forests on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo.