Description:
The hippopotamus, or hippo, is a large, semi-aquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. Characterised by its massive, barrel-shaped body, thick greyish skin, and large, bulbous eyes and ears, the hippo is one of the heaviest land mammals, with males weighing up to 1,500kg. Despite their somewhat lumbering appearance, hippos are surprisingly agile and can run at speeds of up to 30mph on land. They spend much of their time submerged in water to keep their bodies cool and to protect their sensitive skin from sunburn.
© Susannah Rouse
Key facts
Population:
Diet:
Hippos typically leave a wallow or pool soon after sunset and spend the night grazing on short grass swards often some distance from water. They typically do not eat aquatic vegetation.
Habitat:
The hippo is an amphibious creature, which spends the day in water and emerges at night to feed. Hippos rely on a range of water sources, including rivers, lakes, and wetlands, although seasonally the animal can survive in muddy wallows. Hippos require some form of permanent water particularly in the dry season, as their skin must remain moist and will crack if exposed to the air for long periods.
Range:
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Uganda © Dan Bucknell/Tusk
Hippo in the reeds, Africa
Threats
The primary threats to hippos are habitat loss or degradation and illegal and unregulated hunting for meat and their ivory (from their canine teeth).
Conservation
Although in most countries the official level of protection is good, the level of enforcement of these regulations is poor in many countries. In some countries, hippos are still found outside of protected areas.
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The primary threats to hippos are habitat loss or degradation and illegal and unregulated hunting for meat and their ivory (from their canine teeth).
Conservation
Although in most countries the official level of protection is good, the level of enforcement of these regulations is poor in many countries. In some countries, hippos are still found outside of protected areas.