Paraceratherium

Overview

Paraceratherium was a hornless relative of modern rhinos that lived in Central Asia during the Oligocene. It is often described as one of the largest land mammals, but its body is reconstructed from incomplete fossils, so exact size comparisons are uncertain.

“The American Museum of Natural History describes Paraceratherium as a plant-eating giant; several historical names have been used for related fossil material.”

Key facts

Size & simulator stats

Reconstructions suggest about 7 m long and around 4.5 m at the shoulder, with mass estimates often in the 10–20 tonne range. The fossil record is incomplete and estimates vary.

Length

8 m

Height

7 m

Weight

15.0 t

See how Paraceratherium measures up in the sourced size comparison chart.

Habitat

Oligocene Central Asia, known from fossil deposits across the region.

Central and southern Asia; fossils come from several regions and formations.

Diet

A plant-eating browser. Its long neck and limbs are consistent with reaching vegetation above the ground.

Herbivore, probably browsing on leaves and other vegetation.

Fossils & discovery

First described from Fossil record (Multiple fossil formations).The American Museum of Natural History describes Paraceratherium as a plant-eating giant; several historical names have been used for related fossil material.

Research sources

• Natural History Museum: Why were dinosaurs so big? (Paraceratherium size)
• American Museum of Natural History: Oligocene mammals
• American Museum of Natural History: Hyracodontidae

Sources checked on September 28, 2026 by the Dinosaurs Names Editorial Team. Editorial policy

Gallery

Related dinosaurs

• Short-faced BearArctodus simus
• Woolly MammothMammuthus primigenius
• Woolly RhinocerosCoelodonta antiquitatis