Indian rhinoceros – kit from LEGO® bricks

Description

The Indian rhinoceros, also called the greater one-horned rhinoceros, is a harmless herbivore that weighs up to two tonnes. This armoured mammal’s improved mobility and thermoregulation is owing to his skin, which is four centimetres thick. The horn, measuring up to 60 centimetres long, is rarely used by its wearer for aggressive purposes. The basic structure of his striking head ornament resembles hair or hooves and consists of keratin.

Of the 3.3 million years that the genus Rhinoceros has been around, it has been fighting for its survival for only 300 years. Initially, rhinos’ habitat was reduced to produce arable land. The other reason for their decline was hunting, which was not only popular with Europeans. When only 200 Indian rhinos were left, they were finally given protected status. Poaching, which is due to the reputed medicinal value of the horn, is still a big problem. But the population is slowly increasing again with the help of conservation programmes.

Number of original LEGO® bricks: 222

Measurements of the model: 15.1 x 5.1 x 10.1 cm

Difficulty level: intermediate