
A rhinoceros (/raɪˈnɒsərəs/, from Greek rhinokerōs 'nose-horned', from rhis 'nose', and keras 'horn'), commonly abbreviated to rhino, is one of any five extant species of odd-toed ungulates in the family Rhinocerotidae, as well as any of the numerous extinct species therein. Two of the extant species are native to Africa, and three to Southern Asia. The term "rhinoceros" is often more broadly applied to now extinct species of the superfamily Rhinocerotoidea. Members of the rhinoceros family are some of the largest remaining megafauna, with all species able to reach or exceed one tonne in weight. They have a herbivorous diet, small brains (400–600 g) for mammals of their size, one or two horns, and a thick (1.5–5 cm) protective skin formed from layers of collagen positioned in a lattice structure. They generally eat leafy material, although their ability to ferment food in their hindgut allows them to subsist on more fibrous plant matter when necessary. Unlike other perissodactyls, the two African species of rhinoceros lack teeth at the front of their mouths, relying instead on their lips to pluck food. Learn more about Rhino
View all family groups for: Mammal
Rhino Species Videos
View All Rhino Videos
Common Name | Scientific Name | Conservation Status |
Black Rhinocero (80 videos) | Diceros bicornis | Critically endangered |
Great Indian Rhinocero (32 videos) | Rhinoceros unicornis | Vulnerable |
Sumatran Rhinocero (93 videos) | Dicerorhinus sumatrensis | Critically endangered |
White Rhinocero (399 videos) | Ceratotherium simum | Near threatened |