Indian Rhinoceros: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Hooves and Horns · day 3 of 7

Five facts

1. Its armour-like skin folds look pink because of the many blood vessels beneath. The folds help it control its body temperature.
2. Newborn calves have no horn. It is made of pure keratin, like our nails, and only starts to show after about six years.
3. Grass too tall to reach? The rhino walks right over it and uses its weight to bend it down to its mouth. Mothers do this for their calves.
4. Rhinos are chatty. Scientists have noted at least 10 different calls, including honks, bleats, roars, shrieks and moo-grunts.
5. Heavy but quick: this rhino is an excellent swimmer and can run at up to 55 km/h for short bursts.

The quiz

1. What gives the rhino's skin folds their pink colour?

• Pink mud
• Blood vessels underneath (correct)
• Sunburn
• Flowers it eats

Many blood vessels under the folds make them look pinkish.

2. When does an Indian rhino's horn start to show?

• At birth
• After one week
• After about six years (correct)
• Only in old age

Calves are born without a horn; it shows after about six years.

3. How does a rhino eat grass that is too tall?

• It walks over it to bend it down (correct)
• It waits for the wind
• It rears up on its back legs
• It asks a calf to pull it

It straddles the plant and pushes it down with its body weight.

4. How many different calls have scientists noted in Indian rhinos?

• Only 1
• Exactly 2
• None, they are silent
• At least 10 (correct)

At least 10 distinct calls have been identified, from snorts to moo-grunts.

5. How fast can an Indian rhino run for a short time?

• Up to 5 km/h
• Up to 55 km/h (correct)
• Up to 150 km/h
• Up to 300 km/h

It can reach 55 km/h for short periods.

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