Scientific Name and Origin

Rhinoceros unicornis

Rhinoceros: Greek rhino, meaning “nose” and ceros, meaning “horn”

unicornis: Latin uni, meaning “one” and cornus, meaning “horn”

 

Common Names

Asian greater one-horned rhinoceros: referring to the single, large horn

Indian/Nepalese rhinoceros: referring to the species’ endemic range

 

Distribution and Habitat

Northern India, southern Nepal

Floodplains, riverine grasslands

 

Size

1,800 to 2,200 kg (4,000 to 5,000 lb)

1.75 to 2.0 m (5.75 to 6.5 ft.) tall at shoulder

Single horn 20 to 61 cm (8 to 24 in)

Largest land mammal, after elephants, along with the African white rhino

 

Physical Description

Brownish-gray, hairless, with rivet-plated (armor-plated), knobby skin

One horn

Upper lip semi-prehensile

 

Life History Characteristics

Grazer (primarily; will consume some browse)

Mostly solitary: temporary groups of females and young or of subadults possible

Females sexually mature at five to seven years of age; males at ten years

Gestation period approximately 15 to 16 months; interbirth interval of three years