The rhinoceros is a mammal that is part of the Rhinocerotidae family group.
A rhinoceros is a mammalian animal that belongs to the Rhinocerotidae family and is part of the order of perissodactyls (placental species whose extremities end in hooves, with odd-numbered toes).
Originally from Africa and Asia , rhinos stand out for their immense size (they can measure about three meters in length and weigh up to two tons) and for having one or two keratin horns on their nose.
Characteristics of rhinos
Rhinos have very resistant skin that, thanks to the overlapping layers of collagen , can reach a thickness of about five centimeters. It is a herbivorous animal that feeds on leaves and roots.
Rhinos generally spend a good part of the day in water or mud . It is a solitary species, not very sociable and territorial. When an animal disturbs a rhino, the latter usually reacts fiercely, using its horn.
The most developed sense in the rhinoceros is smell . Their hearing is also very good, unlike their eyesight . The characteristics of rhinos, however, change according to the species.
The smallest species of rhinoceros is the Sumatran rhinoceros : it weighs about 700 kilograms and is usually less than three meters in length. The largest species, however, are the Indian rhinoceros and the white rhinoceros .
Rhinos feed on roots and leaves.
His link with the human being
It should be noted that, due to the destruction of its habitat and hunting, the rhinoceros is at risk of extinction . Many hunters seek its horn as a trophy , while these horns are also used in traditional medicine in some nations.
The rhinoceros is the target of a series of very bloody practices , since various beliefs revolve around its horn that consider it beneficial for health. Firstly, an ancient tradition from the Asian continent assures that it is an exceptional aphrodisiac (a substance that generates sexual excitement and is very stimulating); Although it has been proven on more than one occasion that this statement is absolutely unfounded, the hunting of this animal only seems to be increasing.
One of the worst features of rhino slaughter, when it is killed for its horn, is that many hunters do not take the time to take the life before tearing it off; On the contrary, they have no problem leaving him dying and bleeding for hours . This is largely due to the fact that hunting them is prohibited in many places, and that is why the bloody work must last as little time as possible.
rhino powder
As with many of the most unfair and absurd human customs, the consumption of rhinoceros dust (more precisely, its horn) is one of the favorite activities of millionaires. At the parties of the richest people on the planet, it is not uncommon to share a glass of wine with rhino horn powder , something that certain journalists have dubbed a "millionaires' cocktail."
Nothing can justify violence against an innocent being, but in this case the reasons are especially empty and meaningless: according to scientists, ingesting rhino horn powder is not very different from biting your own nails , since the main component of both elements is keratin. Needless to say, no tycoon wanted to be photographed biting their nails at an investor meeting, although it would also be encouraging if they did not want to be shown supporting an act of cruelty like this.
Research on the effects of rhinoceros powder suggests that its consumers do not experience sensations very different from those of drinking wine alone. The truth is that no scientific test seems to be relevant when the target is the horn of this very peculiar animal.