Hippopotamus

Meet the Hippopotamus!

Hippos are one of the largest land animals weighing up to three tons.

The

Amphibious Hippopotamus always keeps its eyes, nose and ears out of the water, so it is always aware of what is going on around it. To dive, they use special muscles that block their sense of smell and hearing (they can hold their breath for up to five minutes).

Currently, they are found mainly in the eastern and southern regions of sub-Saharan Africa, although they are endangered.

What are its habits?

The Hippopotamus spends practically all day submerged in rivers and lakes, only in this way can it protect itself from the African dry heat. Its skin is very sensitive to high temperatures.

It is a social and territorial mammal that lives in groups ranging from 20 to 100 individuals. It feeds at night, when it goes out to graze on grass. Although it is normally a peaceful animal, it can quickly get angry if it is disturbed. The female usually gives birth to one calf every two years.

Conservation

Extinct

Extinct in the wild

Critically endangered

Endangered

Vulnerable

Near threatened

Least concern

Insufficient data

Not evaluated