World Rhino Day | Rhinos Characteristics and Rhinoceros Conservation
World Rhino Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the five species of rhinoceros. The World Rhino Day has been celebrated internationally on September 22nd since 2011. This day aims to raise awareness about the Rhinoceros conservation and challenges they face in the wild, particularly poaching habitat loss due to Rhinoceros horn usage and other factors. Rhinos characteristics are unique in different species.
There are five species of rhinoceros. These species includes White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum), Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis), Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus), Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis).
History of World Rhino Day
World Rhino Day was first initiated by WWF-South Africa in 2010. It was originally created to raise awareness about the plight of rhinoceros as poaching levels rose dramatically in the early 21st century for their horns. In 2011, this day gains international success. Lisa Jane Campbell from Chishakwe Ranch in Zimbabwe and Rhishja Larson worked together to make World Rhino Day 2011 an international success. Rhishja Larson is the creator and head of the organization Saving Rhinos in the USA and author of the blog, Rhino Horn is NOT Medicine.
However, Larson has taken a unique approach to advocating for the world’s rhinos. She believes that raising awareness against rhinos poaching may decrease poaching. Now, this day has become a focal point for rhino conservation efforts.
Rhinos Characteristics
Rhinoceroses belong to the family Rhinocerotidae. They are largest living, herbivorous land mammals. Only African and Asian elephants are taller at the shoulder than the rhinoceros. Rhinoceroses are known for their thick skin, which forms platelike folds, especially at the shoulders and thighs.
There are five species of rhinoceros. Each species has unique rhinos characteristics. Despite this, there are some common characteristics of Rhinoceroses. They are large animals. Their weight ranges from 800 kg to 3,600 kg (1,764 to 7,936 lbs) depending on the species. All rhinos are gray or brown in colour, including the white rhinoceros, which is paler than the others.
Rhinos have almost hairless skin. They have one or two horns on the upper surface of the snout. However, these horns are not true horns but are composed of keratin, a fibrous protein found in hair. Some species, like the White and Black Rhinoceros, have two horns, while others, like the Indian and Javan Rhinoceros, have one horn. Rhinos are herbivores, primarily grazing on grasses, leaves, fruits, and shoots, depending on the species.
Rhinoceros Horns Usage
Rhino horns have been historically used for a variety of purposes. Primary, horns used in traditional medicine in parts of Asia mainly China and Vietnam, and for dagger handles in Yemen and Oman, status symbols, and ornamental items. However, Rhinoceros Horns Usage has significantly contributed to the poaching crisis that endangers all rhino species. On the other hand, traditional Chinese Medicine claims that they have curative properties. However, science proves all this is based on a lie.
Successful Test tube baby of Rhino
Rhinoceros Conservation and World Rhino Day
All species of rhinos are under threat, primarily due to poaching and habitat loss. Two species, the Javan and Sumatran Rhinos, are critically endangered. Rhinoceros Conservation efforts focus on anti-poaching initiatives, habitat preservation, and breeding programs to ensure their survival. On the other hand, several organizations across the globe are working for the conservation of rhinos. These organizations include International Rhino Foundation, Save the Rhino, African Wildlife Foundation, and World Rhino Day.
