An active volcano is just 50km away. That's why establishing a safe site for another population of Javan rhinos in Indonesia is a priority. During confrontations, they growl and make 'trumpet calls'.
Rhinos also communicate through their poo and urine. When rhino poo in the same place as other rhinos — an area known as a latrine — they can smell the poo and urine of other individuals, and know who's in the area. Asian rhinos are also excellent swimmers, crossing rivers with ease. But their African relatives are very poor swimmers and can drown in deep water — so they stick to wallowing in mud for a cool-down.
Poaching gangs are becoming increasingly sophisticated. In some cases, using helicopters to track the rhinos, and once the animals are shot with guns or tranquilising darts, their horns are removed using chainsaws, and quickly airlifted away. The whole operation can take as little as 10 minutes, and if the rhino isn't already dead, it will often bleed to death.
And the horn is seen as a status symbol, particularly in Vietnam. Habitat loss and fragmentation are an increasing threat to rhinos, as human populations and infrastructure grows, encroaching on rhino habitat. Toggle navigation. Language English. African rhinos.
The two African rhino species — black rhino and white rhino — have both increased in number in recent years thanks to successful conservation efforts, especially in South Africa. Indeed, the white rhino has been brought back from the brink of extinction. However, both species are again at risk due to a huge surge in poaching to meet demand for illegal rhino horn, primarily in Asia. Countries and conservationists are stepping up their efforts but record numbers of rhinos are currently being killed.
Why rhinos matter Rhinos have been around for millions of years and play a crucial role in their ecosystem. This benefits other animals and keeps a healthy balance within the ecosystem. Local people also depend on the natural resources within rhino habitat for food, fuel and income. Ecotourism can be an important source of income for local people. Poaching The greatest threat facing African rhinos is poaching for the illegal trade in their horns, which has soared in recent years.
Powdered horn is used in traditional Asian medicine as a supposed cure for a range of illnesses — from hangovers to fevers and even cancer. But the current surge has been primarily driven by demand for horn in Vietnam. As well as its use in medicine, rhino horn is bought and consumed purely as a symbol of wealth.
Poaching gangs use increasingly sophisticated methods, including helicopters and night vision equipment to track rhinos, and veterinary drugs to knock them out. This does not mean that you should underestimate their intelligence however! Rhino horns are made from a protein called keratin, the same substance that hair and fingernails are made of. The horn is actually made of masses of hairs that are all compacted in together.
The longest recorded rhino horn was an amazing 4 feet 9 inches long! If the horn falls off, another will grow in its place. Ever seen a white White Rhinoceros? Us either. Despite the misleading name, all white rhinos are actually grey. Rhinos can grow to be over 6 feet tall and more than 11 feet in length — that is big! Surprisingly, these are horses, zebra and tapirs. They all belong to a group of mammals called odd-toed ungulates. Despite their weight and their bulk, rhinos move fast!
They can run up to 30 — 40 miles per hour. To put that in context, Usain bolt can run 28 miles per hour. Now imagine a rhino sprinting at you at that speed! Mother rhinos are pregnant for a total duration of 15 — 16 months!
Rhinos have very poor eyesight, but this is more than made up for by their other senses. If the person moves, makes a sound or can even be smelled by the rhino however, it will easily detect that person, even at much greater distances. African rhinos and oxpeckers a type of bird have a fascinating symbiotic relationship. If the oxpecker senses danger, it will always create a commotion, which helps to alert the rhino to it as well.
0コメント