An Ancient Animal: With its massive body, tough platelike skin and one or two horns projecting from its snout, the rhinoceros appears never to have evolved from its prehistoric ancestry. The rhino takes up residence in the savannas of Africa and the grasslands of Asia. Most species are solitary and nocturnal browsers. Although they appear ferocious, rhinos are actually timid.
Protected But Poached: All five species are endangered mainly due to overhunting for the prized horn. China dispenses the ground up horn as a drug to reduce fevers, and in Yemen the horn is carved to create dagger handles. Although protected, habitat loss and poaching continue to contribute to its demise.
Super Smell: The rhinoceros' poor eyesight is made up for its acute hearing and sense of smell. In fact, its olfactory passages — responsible for smell — are larger than its entire brain.
