Indian rhinoceros
The Indian rhinoceros, also known as the greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), is a large herbivorous mammal native to the Indian subcontinent. Here’s a description of its distribution by country:
- India: Indian rhinoceroses are primarily found in India, particularly in the northeastern states of Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. They inhabit grasslands, swamps, and floodplain areas within national parks and wildlife sanctuaries such as Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, and Dudhwa National Park.
- Nepal: Indian rhinoceroses also inhabit certain areas in Nepal, particularly in the Terai region along the southern border with India. They are found in protected areas such as Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park.
Indian rhinoceroses are characterized by their single, large horn and their thick, armor-like skin. They are primarily grazers, feeding on grasses, leaves, and aquatic vegetation. Despite being listed as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, Indian rhinoceros populations have shown signs of recovery in recent years due to conservation efforts such as habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and translocation programs. However, they still face threats from habitat loss, poaching for their horns, and human-wildlife conflict.
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