Mammals

Village Rhinos

Wildlife Entering Chitwan, Nepal

Rhinoceros unicornis

This meticulously rendered hand-drawn plate from Curiosa Naturalis, titled 'Village Rhinos: Wildlife Entering Chitwan, Nepal', offers a compelling glimpse into the life of *Rhinoceros unicornis*. It captures the majestic greater one-horned rhinoceros as it navigates the interface between wild habitats and human settlements in Chitwan, Nepal. The illustration intricately details key anatomical features, including the distinctive dermal armour folds and the highly adapted prehensile lip, essential for its browsing and grazing activities within mixed-use landscapes. The artwork thoughtfully conveys insights into the species' behaviour, showcasing its nocturnal tendencies and its role as a significant grazer and browser. This large ungulate, recognisable by its single horn and three-toed feet, is depicted with a palette reflecting its natural appearance—sandy brown, olive green, and slate grey tones, with accents of terracotta. The plate serves as a scientific illustration of the species, highlighting the ecological interactions inherent in 'urban wildlife' contexts and the unique challenges and adaptations of these remarkable mammals in areas of human interaction. Suitable for educational institutions, editorial pieces focusing on conservation or zoology, or as a striking framed print, this plate offers both aesthetic appeal and rigorous scientific accuracy. It is an invaluable resource for understanding the behaviour and morphology of the one-horned rhino within its contemporary Nepalese environment.

Region

Chitwan, Nepal

Year

2023

Dimensions

3520 × 4800 px

Format

JPG

File size

20 MB