The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), also called the hippo, is a large, mostly herbivorous, semi-aquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is the third-largest land mammal in Africa, after the elephant and the rhinoceros. Hippos are semi-aquatic animals, meaning that they spend part of their time in water and part of their time on land. They are excellent swimmers and can stay underwater for up to 5 minutes. Hippos are also very territorial animals and will defend their territory aggressively. They are the most dangerous large land mammal in Africa and are responsible for more human deaths than lions or crocodiles.
Hippos are large animals, with adults typically weighing between 1,500 and 1,800 kilograms (3,300 and 4,000 lb). They have a stocky build and short legs. Their skin is thick and hairless and is grayish-brown in color. Hippos have large heads with small eyes and ears. Their mouths are wide and they have large canine teeth that can grow up to 50 centimeters (20 in) long.
Hippos are herbivores and their diet consists mainly of grasses, leaves, and fruits. They eat about 70 kilograms (150 lb) of food per day. Hippos are very social animals and live in herds of up to 100 individuals. The herd is led by a dominant male hippo.
Hippos are pregnant for about 8 months and give birth to a single calf. Calves are born weighing about 40 kilograms (88 lb). They are able to swim and walk within minutes of being born. Calves stay with their mother for about 2 years.
Hippos are an important part of the African ecosystem. They help to control populations of plants and animals. They are also a popular tourist attraction and can be seen in zoos and wildlife parks around the world.
Hippos are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. There are thought to be fewer than 130,000 hippos left in the wild. The main threats to hippos are habitat loss, hunting, and conflict with humans.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect hippos. These efforts include creating protected areas, reducing hunting, and educating people about the importance of hippos. With continued conservation efforts, hippos can be protected from extinction.
Here are some additional facts about hippos:
Hippos are the heaviest land mammals after elephants.
Hippos can run up to 30 kilometers per hour (19 miles per hour) on land.
Hippos sweat pink sweat.
Hippos are very aggressive animals and are responsible for more human deaths than lions or crocodiles.
Hippos are an important part of the African ecosystem and help to control populations of plants and animals.
Hippos are a popular tourist attraction and can be seen in zoos and wildlife parks around the world.
