Indian Rhino

The Indian rhino properly know as the great indian one horned Rhinoceros is a desendant of an old species of rhino.despite its fearsome apperance, it is generall a peaceful animal. It is one of the two greatest success stories in rhino conservation (the other one being the Southern White Rhino in South Africa). With strict protection from Indian and Nepalese wildlife authorities, Indian Rhino numbers have recovered from under 200 earlier in the 20th Century to around 2,500. However, poaching has remained high and the success is precarious without continued and increased support for conservation efforts in India and Nepal.

Food & Feeding
The Indian rinoceros is principally a grazing animal. It moves around constantly to take advantage of fresh plant growth. Adaptable in its feeding methods,the rhino has a widely varied diet. It eats new plant growth as well as bamboo shoots, water hyacinths, and a variety of crops which can make the rino a nuisance to farmers.

Breeding
The female Indian rinoceros comes into heat (is ready to mate) for 24 hours every 5-8 weeks. She attracts the male by spraying urine and by makind a gentle whistling sound. the solitary female seeks dense cover when she is ready to give birth. The calf stays with its mother until the birth ofher next offspring, between 18 months and two years later.

KEY FACTS
Size:
Height: 3 - 7 ft.
Length: 7 - 14 ft.
Weight: 3,300 - 4,400 lb.

Breeding;
Sexual maturity: Males 7 - 9 years, Females 3 years.
Mating: Femamles come into season every 5 - 8 weeks until pregnant.

Gestation period: 462 - 489 days.
No. of young: 1 calf.

Lifestyle;
Habit: Partly social, partly solitary.
Call: Social grunts and snorts; Females wistle when in season.
Diet: Grass, twigs, bamboo shoots, wheat, lentils, potatoes.
Lifespan: About 50 years.