OVERVIEW
The greater one-horned rhino, also known as the Indian rhino, is a species of rhino mostly found in India's Assam and West Bengal, as well as parts of the Terai of Nepal. Populations in the latter are often confined to the riverine grasslands of the Himalayas. The Indian rhino is the largest of the rhino species and the fifth largest land animal overall. Although they were once found all across the northernmost part of the Indian subcontinent, their population was severely depleted as they were hunted for sport and killed as pests. The species was pushed into near-extinction, and by 1975, there were only 600 individuals left.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Male greater one-horned rhinos will often fight violently for preferred habitual areas. The death of one male in these fights is not uncommon, usually after a few days due to wounds incurred during the fight.
- The Mughal emperors of South Asia would often use the Greater One-Horned rhinos in fights against elephants as entertainment.
- Greater one-horned rhinos are currently ranked by the IUCN as vulnerable.
