African lions, often hailed as the “kings of the beasts,” are powerful predators, yet they exhibit a distinct caution when it comes to rhinoceroses.
In 2015, in Kenya, Africa, three rhinoceroses unexpectedly became aggressive and charged at a pride of lions, resulting in the death of two lions and injuries to three others. However, just three days later, the surviving lions regrouped and attacked a herd of wildebeest. Through their cooperation, they successfully killed a male wildebeest weighing nearly 1,000 kg. So, why do lions dare to hunt wildebeest but show caution towards rhinoceroses?
In reality, rhinoceroses are the second-largest land animals in Africa, trailing only behind African elephants. Their fighting ability is extremely formidable. Even elephants do not dare to chase and confront them when they are enraged.
Rhinoceroses have thick, rugged skin that offers excellent impact resistance. Their skin resembles a tough armor, measuring over 3 cm thick, although not as thick as an elephant’s. In contrast, the wildebeest’s defensive capabilities are significantly inferior. Their skin is not tough, and the layer of fat beneath it is very thin, making them vulnerable. Importantly, the skin on a wildebeest’s neck is quite thin and lacks any self-defense capability, allowing lions to potentially kill them with a single strike.
In the animal kingdom, strength is often a measure of survival, and the strength of a rhinoceros ranks just below that of an elephant. As an adult rhinoceros can grow up to 4 meters long and weigh as much as 2.3 tons, which is equivalent to a small truck.
In a one-on-one confrontation, rhinoceroses can easily overpower both lions and wildebeests. Compared to African wildebeests, which can weigh up to 1,000 kg, rhinoceroses are more than double their weight, making the comparison of strength heavily favor the rhinoceros.
An adult white rhinoceros can weigh up to 3 tons, which is three to four times the weight of a male lion. This enormous size gives rhinoceroses a significant advantage in both strength and defense. Their horns can reach lengths of up to 1 meter and are sharp as knives, capable of inflicting severe or even fatal injuries to lions if struck.
A typical rhinoceros can reach speeds of up to 52 km/h, which is not significantly slower than a wildebeest. This is due to their exceptionally developed hind legs, which allow for quick acceleration. Hence, they are often referred to as the fastest mammals in the weight category exceeding 1,000 kg.
According to zoologists’ calculations, the maximum impact force of a 2,000-pound rhinoceros can reach up to 8 tons. Therefore, if a lion were to be hit by such a force, it would undoubtedly sustain serious injuries or even die.
Rhinoceroses are prepared to attack foes using both their horns and front legs. They can deliver powerful and dangerous blows. Their thick and tough skin makes it very difficult for lions to tear into them. Consequently, engaging in a fight with a rhinoceros poses a high risk of injury for lions, including goring, trampling, or being struck by powerful blows.
Although rhinoceroses are herbivores, their horns are incredibly strong. Zoologists indicate that the average length of a rhinoceros horn is over 90 cm, and they can grow 7.6 cm each year as they mature.
The primary component of rhinoceros horns is keratin, making them very hard; although they may look rough, they are extremely sharp, which makes them potentially lethal. Each year, it remains unknown how many animals fall victim to rhinoceros horns.
In comparison to rhinoceroses, wildebeests are much easier prey, less dangerous, and provide a similar amount of sustenance.
German zoologist Elenst once stated: The reason rhinoceroses exhibit such powerful fighting abilities is their very low IQ. In simple terms, rhinoceroses are quite foolish, temperamental, and do not comprehend fear.
Some intelligent animals, such as lions and leopards, understand how to bully the weak and fear the strong, often choosing weaker prey to attack. However, when faced with dangerous animals like rhinoceroses, they will opt to flee, as they are not foolish enough to engage in combat with them. This reflects a higher IQ.
Rhinoceroses, on the other hand, are different. Their brains are quite small, and they do not understand fear or pain, so if anyone dares to provoke them, they will fight to the death. This is especially true for male rhinoceroses, who will continue to fight even when severely injured.
Lions typically hunt in packs, coordinating their attacks on prey. However, this strategy is less effective against rhinoceroses due to their superior size and strength.
For these reasons, African lions often prioritize hunting easier and less dangerous prey instead of risking confrontation with rhinoceroses. Nonetheless, in rare cases, lions may work together to take down a rhinoceros, particularly if the rhinoceros is old, weak, or injured.
