As I start my animal research series, i would like to consider the Rhinoceros today
The white rhino is the second largest mammal after the elephant with a weight of 3500kg.
Relative to their large body size, rhinoceros have small brains. This does not mean that you should underestimate their intelligence!
Despite their weight & their bulk, rhinos move fast! They can run up to 30 – 40 miles per hour. Now imagine a rhino sprinting at you at that speed!
Female rhinos reach sexual maturity around 3 years of age, but males aren't ready for breeding until around 7.
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Rhinos have very poor eyesight, but this is more than made up for by their other senses. A rhino would have great difficulty seeing someone standing just 30 metres away if they weren’t moving. If the person moves, makes a sound or can even be smelled by the rhino however, it will easily detect that person, even at much greater distances.
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African rhinos & oxpeckers (a type of bird) have a fascinating symbiotic relationship. The oxpecker stands on the rhino’s back & eats ticks & other insects that it finds on the rhino. If the oxpecker senses danger, it will always create a commotion, which helps to alert the rhino to it as well.
Interestingly, rhinos communicate through their dung. Each rhino’s dung has a unique smell, and identifies its owner. From rhino poo you can also tell if that rhino is young or old, male or female. Dung is quite useful for marking a rhino’s territory too, just like dogs like to do. Rhinos communicate by doing a poo!
Lessons:
If you're not so disposed to help people, at least be the shoulder or ladder they can climb upon to get help.
If you're not ready for some responsibilities, pls don't take them up. Mature first, before assuming some responsibilities.
If u're disadvantaged in one area of ur life, maximize other areas that u're strong in, to cover up. Also, learn to leverage on people's strengths while working ur peculiar weaknesses.
Shed off or let go of anything that will slow ur pace or flight in life.