In many ways a rhinoceros is an odd-looking creature. Even
its name, meaning a creature with a horn on its nose, betrays its unusual
appearance.
Rhinos can be very big, with the two largest of the five
species weighing up to 6,000 pounds or 2.7 tonnes and standing six feet high
and up to 15 feet in length. This makes them second only to elephants as the
world's largest land mammals. Yet in spite of their size, over short distances
they can move at speeds of up to 30 mph and can turn very sharply. You don't
want to be chased by a rhino.
Rhinos also have the unfortunate distinction of being one of
the most endangered animals on earth. For over 100 years the rhino has been
subject to dedicated conservation efforts, but in spite of this, since the
1970s the world's rhinoceros population has declined by over 90%.