Animal somewhat shortened, having no tail! (5)

I believe the answer is:

rhino

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'animal' is the definition.
(short for rhinoceros)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for rhino that I've seen before include "Charging animal" , "Endangered wildlife" , "Horned pachyderm" , "In brief, a large horned African animal" , "one might charge in Africa" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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