PIC: Shivanandappa

The great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Rhinoceros unicornis, is the largest Asiatic species of rhinos. It can be found in habitats where the grass is tall.

This mammal’s thick greyish skin is divided into shields by heavy folds that trap moisture to keep it cool. These folds and the tubercles (warty outgrowth found on its skin) give it the armoured look. It often coats itself with mud to stay cool and keep insects at bay.

This rhino has one greyish-black horn, which is made of fibrous keratin, the material that our fingernails are made of.

The great Indian rhino is about 1.7m tall and weighs around a whopping 2,200kg. It has poor eyesight but a sharp sense of hearing and can travel at a speed of upto 50 kmph.