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Rhino Facts

The Five Rhino Species | Issues: Why are rhinos being killed? | How to help save rhinos

We think the rhinoceros is the most fascinating animal in the world!

  1. Rhinos are intelligent, and are trained by their keepers in zoos, using clickers and treats (like dogs and other animals), to become accustomed to routines and handling - and even learn to paint!
  2. Rhinos make a variety of sounds and vocalizations, ranging from snorts to squeaks
  3. All rhinos have three toes on each foot - they are "three-toed ungulates"
  4. Only three Sumatran Rhinos have been born in captivity
  5. The Javan Rhino is the most critically endangered mammal on earth - there are less than 60 individuals surviving and none in captivity
  6. Rhinos use dung (poop!) to communicate with other rhinos
  7. Rhinos wallow in mud to protect their sensitive skin from sunburn and insect bites
  8. The rhino's horn is made of keratin (like fingernails and hair)
  9. There is no scientific evidence that the rhino horn has any medicinal properties
  10. The rhino's horn could be removed without harming the rhino and it will grow back (slowly)
  11. The world's rhino population has decreased 90% since 1970 (due to poaching)

Meet the Five Species of Rhinoceros

Rhinos have suffered a 90% decline in population since 1970

  • Javan Rhino - population is less than 60 individuals. Most of these rhinos are the Indonesian Javan Rhino subspecies. The Vietnamese Javan Rhino subspecies consists of 5 individual animals and may not recover. The Indian Javan Rhino is extinct.
  • Sumatran Rhino - population less than 275 individuals, with poaching on the rise
  • Black Rhino - population 3,725. West African Rhino species declared extinct in 2006. From 1980 until 2006, 14,000 were slaughtered by poachers.
  • Indian Rhino - population approximately 2,400, a conservation success story - but poaching is on the rise due to regional political instability
  • White Rhino: Northern White Rhino - it was reported on June 17, 2008 that the last 4 individuals were killed by poachers. Southern White Rhino - 14,000 surviving, due to conservation efforts

"10 Essential Facts About Rhinos" - giant poster & free eBook

Giant 2 ft. x 3 ft. Poster: "10 Essential Facts About Rhinos"

  • 10 Essential Facts About Rhinos - have your print shop print this huge poster in its full size - 2 ft. x 3 ft.! (download pdf)
  • You can also ask your printer to print it in a small size or print it from your desktop on 11" x 17" paper if you prefer.
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Huge poster 10 Essential Facts About Rhinos
Free eBook 10 Esssential Facts About Rhinos

Free eBook: "10 Essential Facts About Rhinos"

An excellent introduction to rhinos - featuring gorgeous photos. Some fun facts, some sad facts.



How you can help save rhinos

Sources: World Wildlife Fund, International Rhino Foundation, Trade Environment Database, Rhino Resource Center

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