> Of all the Perissodactyl, the most complicated fossil history belongs to that of the Rhinoceroses. Today there are few rhinoceroses left , but this was not the case throughout the Tertiary, where there were numerous amounts of rhinoceroses.

A rhinoceros can be recognized by its relatively large size and unusually short, stout limbs. The most distinguishing characteristics of today's rhinoceroses is the horn-like structure situated on the front end of the skull. This horn-like structure is not composed of bone or horn as most people assume. Rather, it is composed of a "fused mass of modified hairlike material". 
(Above Right: A Black rhinoceros cow watches over her young)

 
 
 

A photograph of the horn of a White rhinoceros (left). Rhinoceroses are poached for their horns which are valuable on the black market where they are used in folk medicines.

 
 
 
 
 
 
.....click on icons to navigate