Rhinoceroses: Rhinocerotidae

Found in Africa and Southeast Asia.

Different species prefer different habitats. The white rhino likes grasslands and savannas (similar to grasslands but with small trees and bushes), while the black rhino prefers bushland and semidesert. The Indian rhino is found on meadows and swamplands, and Sumatran and Javan rhinos occupy rainforests.

Rhinos are vegetarians and feed primarily on leaves, fruit, grasses, and stems. They have one stomach, which could lead to poor digestion. Because of their large size, however, rhinos have longer periods of digestion, making it more efficient. Rhinos need water not only for drinking, but for wallowing in as well.

The only species that isn't threatened is the white rhino, though it once was in serious jeopardy. Today, the Javan, Sumatran, and black rhinos are Critically Endangered, facing an extremely high risk of extinction, while the Indian rhino is considered Endangered, facing a very high risk of extinction. Poaching (illegal hunting) is to blame for the threat to all rhinos.