The horn of the rhinoceros is the cause of his extermination

Rhinoceros - one of the largest representatives of mammalian animals. In size it is surpassed only by an elephant, a little less a rhinoceros - a hippopotamus. The main difference of the animal is the horn on the nose. Hence the name - a rhinoceros.

Where does the rhinoceros have a rhinoceros?

Scientists can not determine exactly when the horn of the rhino appeared. The origin of this part of the animal's body lies in the multimillion-dollar history of its existence. All the found fossils of rhinoceroses have traces of the presence of the horn. This outgrowth is not a bone, in structure resembles horny tissue, but in fact consists of keratin. Keratin is the material, the basis of hair and nails. In appearance, it seems that the horn of a rhinoceros is a tangle of a large number of thick hair. The first, the big horn, grows from the bone of the nose, and the second, the small one - from the skull. These formations grow throughout the life of the animal.

The size of rhinoceroses horns

In modern times, five kinds of rhinoceros are known. They all have horns. The average size of the outgrowth of the most common rhinoceroses - white and black - from forty to eighty centimeters. The record in size beat the length of the horn of a white rhino - a hundred and fifty-eight centimeters! This is the largest process recorded in modern representatives of this species. The horn of a woolly rhinoceros - extinct in the glacial period, was larger. Its average length was from sixty to one hundred and fifty centimeters. What is the role of the horn in life? Why did nature reward the animal with such a process?

The horn of the rhinoceros is a symbol of power

Many centuries ago people worshiped rhinoceroses as gods. On ancient drawings one can find this animal, its horn is depicted as unnaturally large, decorated with flowers. Once upon a time people believed that the horn of a rhinoceros is its ornament and indicator of power. From it, utensils were made-containers for drinking and storing liquid. It was believed that this attribute has healing properties and gives the owner an incredible power and strength.

Horn as a weapon

A rhinoceros is a very large animal. It seems that he is awkward and slow. This is not so. A rhino can reach speeds of up to forty-five kilometers per hour, but that's not enough to get away from a predator. Many believe that the horn of a rhinoceros is his weapon from the attack of hungry carnivores. This is also not entirely true. The rhino has no enemies in the world of predators. Its appearance is so formidable that it is not enough what a lioness and a hyena will dare to pounce on it, trying to catch it as food. If in the most hungry time and there is a brave trying to attack a big man, then a rhinoceros should once be horned toward an encroachment on his life, and the predator runs away. Still there is an opinion that rhinos use horns to fight other males. In the mating season, when everyone wants to attract the attention of the most healthy and beautiful female, the rhinoceroses begin to struggle for the advantage. But to prove their strength, they do not use horns at all, but teeth. The males attack each other, biting the enemy and knocking the whole body off their feet. And the fact that a rhinoceros can put a person on horns, so it's generally from the realm of fantasy. This is the most peaceful and calm animal. Meetings with a person he avoids, and if they meet, then hurry up to escape and hide, very rarely attacks. Unfortunately, this can not be said about people. They are the main enemy of the rhino, exterminating the species.

Horn for landmarks in the territory

In nature, you can see a picture of a rhinoceros rubbing against a tree, after which huge scars remain on the cortex. So the animal marks its territory, leaving traces and smell. Rhinoceroses are loners. They do not like the company of their relatives. If a tree caught on the animal's path, on which there is a scent of another rhinoceros, then it will be a reason not to linger for a long time on this site. In a pair of rhinoceros can be seen only in one case - this is the mother and the baby. The female grows the baby up to two years, and then they part.

Why hunt rhinos?

Poachers are always chasing after prey, profit. So, through the fault of hunters, not one thousand elephants perished, tusks of which are valued in the market. This is a valuable material from which a variety of jewelry, figurines, and utensils are made. But how did the horn of rhinoceros attract people? In order to extract this growth, thousands of animals are killed annually. The thing is that since ancient times people believe in the miraculous properties of a powder made from a rhinoceros horn. Ostensibly, adding this powder to food and drink, you can recover from a variety of diseases. The most common indication for use is impotence. Throughout the world, men believe that drugs based on powder from the horn can restore them to their former strength. More creams are made from old age, than a lot of female consumers are attracted to. It is said that the horn of a rhinoceros can restore youth and give a long life. In Yemen, ancient traditions have been preserved, one of which gives young men who have reached the age of majority a dagger, the handle of which is made of a horn of rhinoceros. But all the properties attributed to these horns are just a myth. Science does not prove the therapeutic and rejuvenating effects of the powder, but the price of the goods is growing, and people are buying it. In many countries, such a price for the horn, that you can buy a luxury car or a house. In South Africa, one copy costs more than two hundred thousand dollars. Such is the price for the life of a huge disappearing beast.