Big herbivores!

[brotherbear]

ALL RHINOCEROS SPECIES ARE IMPORTANT - http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endanger...an_rhinos/  
 
There are three Asian rhino species, all of which have been pushed to the brink of extinction. The greater one-horned is slowly recovering thanks to years of succesful conservation efforts but the Sumatran and Javan rhinos remain at great risk.

Having once roamed across most of Asia, they’re now found in the wild in just four countries - India, Nepal, Bhutan and Indonesia. Poaching for their horns and habitat loss are the two greatest threats to the survival of Asia's remaining rhinos. 
 
Rhinos have been around for millions of years and have a major impact on the structure of their habitat and the health of their ecosystem.

For example, the greater one-horned rhino helps to maintain close-cropped grasslands near rivers, which are preferable feeding spots for small herbivores. Asian rhinos also disperse the seeds of plants and fruit they’ve eaten, through their feces.

Many other animals – and people – depend on healthy rhino habitats, so protecting the rhino and its habitat helps other wildlife and people. 
 
All the folds in their skin give Asian rhinos a more armoured look than their counterparts in Africa. The greater one-horned rhino and Javan rhino have one horn, while the Sumatran rhino has two.

Despite their hefty appearance, Asian rhinos are excellent swimmers and can easily swim across rivers. They’re vegetarians, grazing on tall grasses, shrubs, leaves and some fruits. Reply