The Indian Rhinoceros
The Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), also known as the greater one-horned Asian rhino, is a large species of rhino with skin divided by thick folds, with many round bumps, that increase its armor-plated appearance. It differs from some other types of rhino in that it only has one large horn. Like the black rhino, it has finger-like upper lip. It stands over five feet tall at the shoulder and weighs over 4,000 pounds.
The Indian rhino is a forest dweller and is also an excellent swimmer that will cross wide rivers. It prefers to be near swamps and rivers since it needs to spend a great deal of time in water or mud to protect its skin. Using its prehensile upper lip, the Indian rhino feeds on grasses and twigs.
As with all rhinos, the Indian species is poached for its horn. Its horn brings a higher price than African rhinos for medicinal purposes. Its habitat is now limited as well. Indian rhinos only live in parks and reserves in India and Nepal.
Less than 1,700 Indian rhinos remain in their natural habitat; however, this is up from a low of 900 in 1970. It is listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the IUCN Red Data Book.
The Florida Panther
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