How fast can a rhino run?
This article will find out if you can outrun a rhino. See how fast each species of rhino runs White rhino, the Black rhino, the Sumatran rhino, the Javan rhino, and the Indian rhino. And the reasons why rhinos love to charge.
How Fast Can a Rhino Run?
Rhinos can run at different speeds depending on the species, ranging from 20 – 35 mph (40 – 56 km/h). Black rhinos are the fastest.
So how come rhinos can run so fast?
Well, there are a few reasons. First of all, they’re a lot bigger than we are. Their long legs give them more stride, and their heavier body packs a lot of muscle that they can use to propel them forward. In addition, their hooves provide better traction than our feet, giving them an extra speed boost.
Rhino vs Human Who Is Faster?
So if rhinos can charge at speeds of up to 35mph (56km/h), can a person outrun a rhino?
The simple answer is no, as rhinos can run faster than the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, who has reached 28 mph (45 km/h).
If you’re ever in a race against a rhino, you might as well give up now. There’s no way you’re going to beat them!
Now let’s look at each individual species of rhino and see how fast they can run.
How Long Can a Rhino Run For?
Rhinos can only run for short periods due to their heavy size. Rhinos are built for short sprints, not marathons.
How Fast Can a White Rhino Run?
White rhinos can reach speeds of 25-30mph (40-48km/h). They are also known as the square-lipped rhino for their characteristic square upper lip used for grazing on grass. Female mothers and their calves will sometimes form small groups.
They are the only rhino of the five species that are not endangered, with a population of around 18,000 found in only four countries South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya and classified as near threatened.
How Fast Can a Black Rhino Run?
The black rhino can reach speeds of 35mph (56km/h). They are smaller than the white rhino and can be told apart by their hooked upper lip. They browse on leaves from trees and bushes, able to consume up to 80 pounds of vegetation a day!
They are critically endangered, with only 6,000+ remaining in the wild and are found in the countries along the coast of east Africa.
How Fast Can a Sumatran Rhino Run?
The Sumatran rhino can reach speeds of 25mph (40km/h) and is the smallest of all the rhinos, and is found on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. Unlike the other rhinos, they are covered in long hair, giving them the appearance of a woolly rhino, their closest relative.
The Sumatran rhino is the only rhinoceros species living in rainforests and the only Asian rhino with two horns. These animals are timid, so humans do not usually see them.
How Fast Can a Javan Rhino Run?
The Javan rhino can reach speeds of up to 30mph (48km/h) and is also found in Indonesia, and is similar in size to the Sumatran rhino. They have one horn and are a severely threatened species, with only around 60 individuals remaining in the wild.
They have loose folds of skin, giving them the impression of having armour. Their horn can grow to be 25 cm (10 in) long. They look similar to the Indian rhino but have more minor skin folds and a smaller head.
How Fast Can a Indian Rhino Run?
Indian rhinos or one-horned rhinos can reach speeds of 34mph (54km/h) and are found in India and Nepal and prefer to live in swampy areas near rivers. Indian rhinos are great swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for up to three minutes.
They are bigger than the Javan rhino with bigger skin folds and have a darker horn that is 20 – 63.5 cm (8 – 25 in) long. They are the largest rhino species.
4 Reasons Why a Rhino Could Charge?
1. Threatened by a predator:
A rhino will charge first and ask questions later. If they smell something unfamiliar like a human, they will charge. They consider most other animals a threat, and a mother with a calf will charge at anything.
2. Protecting their territory:
Male rhinos are very territorial over their 1 square mile of land and will see off any male trespassers. Females will cover a range of approximately seven times larger to find a suitable mate.
3. Courting a mate:
When a female rhino finds herself a male rhino, she likes they can chase each other for several hours until both are exhausted.
4. Being startled:
Because of their poor vision, they can easily mistake a tree or rock for a foe. So they rely on their sense of smell and hearing to move around.
As you can see, it is essential to be careful around rhinos and always give them plenty of space. When you see a rhino, it’s best to stay away from it and not approach it. Instead, admire from a safe distance.
Popular Rhino Articles: