Skip to content
Rhino Resource Center

The world's largest online rhinoceros library dedicated to assisting research and conservation efforts globally.

Rhino facts

Rhinos are ancient survivors

Rhinos have been roaming the Earth for over 50 million years, making them one of the oldest living mammal species. Their ancestors once resembled large tapirs and evolved into the massive creatures we see today. Read more

Rhino horns are not what they seem

Unlike elephant tusks or cattle horns, rhino horns are made entirely of keratin — the same protein found in human hair and fingernails. They're essentially compressed hair that grows continuously throughout the rhino's life. Read more

Rhinos can run faster than you think

Despite weighing up to 2300 kilograms, rhinos can sprint at speeds of 50 kilometres per hour — faster than most humans can run even without carrying a tonne of body weight. Read more

Rhinos are ecological engineers

By creating paths, wallows, and dispersing seeds through their dung, rhinos shape entire ecosystems. A single white rhino can produce 20 kilograms of dung daily, fertilising the landscape and spreading plant seeds. Read more

Rhinos have complex social lives

Far from being solitary brutes, rhinos display surprising social intelligence. They communicate through an elaborate system of scent marks, vocalisations, and shared middens (dung piles) that serve as community message boards. Read more

Are rhinos aggressive?

Despite their fearsome reputation and ability to charge at 50 kilometres per hour, rhinos are not naturally aggressive animals. They're more accurately described as defensive, preferring to be left alone to graze peacefully. Read more
Rhino collections
Collection

Carino Database

East Asian and West African Rhinos.
Collection

Galleria of Emilio Gargioni

Rhino Depictions In Contemporary Modern Art.
Collection

Geraads Fossil Rhino Database

Old World Neogene and Quaternary rhino-bearing localities.
Collection

History of Clara

Clara the Rhinoceros tells the marvellous story of the most famous rhinoceros in history.
Collection

RRC Newsletters

All newsletters from the start in 2005 were edited and composed by Dr. Kees Rookmaaker, Editor of the Rhino Resource Center.
Announcements
Announcement

Our new website is now online

The Rhino Resource Centre has unveiled its completely redesigned website.
Announcement

The Rhinoceros of South Asia – DISCOUNT

A book by Kees Rookmaaker with chapters by Joachim K. Bautze and Kelly Enright.

Rhinos can run faster than you think

Despite weighing up to 2300 kilograms, rhinos can sprint at speeds of 50 kilometres per hour — faster than most humans can run even without carrying a tonne of body weight.

Learn more about rhinos
Secret Link