hippo
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classification
Mammals, Cetancodonta, Hippopotamidae, Genus Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius for Common Hippo)
habitat
Hippos primarily inhabit rivers, lakes, and mangrove swamps in sub-Saharan Africa, preferring areas with shallow waters where they can submerge themselves to keep cool.
body length
Adult hippos typically range from 3.3 to 5.2 meters (10.8 to 17 feet) in length.
body weight
Adult hippos weigh between 1,500 to 3,200 kg (3,300 to 7,000 lbs), making them one of the heaviest land mammals.
lifespan
In the wild, hippos can live around 40 to 50 years, while those in captivity may live even longer, sometimes up to 60 years.
food habit
Hippos are herbivorous and primarily graze on grasses, spending around 5 to 6 hours each night foraging for food.
habit
Hippos are social animals that live in groups called pods, which can consist of 10 to 30 individuals, often led by a dominant male.
natural enemy
Adult hippos have few natural predators due to their size and aggressive nature; however, young hippos can fall prey to lions, crocodiles, and hyenas.
bits of knowledge
Despite their large size, hippos are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for up to 5 minutes. They also secrete a natural sunscreen that is reddish in color, often referred to as 'blood sweat.'