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The hippopotamus, or hippo, is native to sub-Saharan Africa and is a large, mostly herbivorous mammal. The name hippopotamus comes from an ancient Greek word that translates to mean ‘river horse’ and the hippo is the third-largest land mammal following the elephant and rhinoceros.
- Rivers, lakes & mangrove swamps
- sub-Saharan Africa, Colombia
- 40-50 years
- 13-18 ft (4 to 5.5 m)
- Hippos can’t jump. Hippos don’t jump because their vertebrae are fused together, making it impossible for them to bend their back like other mammals such as cats and dogs.
- They sweat blood… kind of. Hippopotamuses secrete a reddish substance from their skin which is actually no sweat but rather a mixture of blood and other body fluids.
- They are one of the deadliest animals in Africa. Despite their cute and cuddly appearance, hippos are actually one of the deadliest animals in Africa.
- They can weigh up to two tons. Hippopotamuses are the third largest land mammals globally, after elephants and rhinoceroses. They can weigh up to two tons and are speedy runners.
Mar 10, 2011 · Scientific Name: Hippopotamus amphibius. Type: Mammals. Diet: Herbivore. Group Name: School. Average Life Span In The Wild: Up to 40 years. Average Life Span In Captivity: Up to 50 years. Size:...
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The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) (/ ˌ h ɪ p ə ˈ p ɒ t ə m ə s /; pl.: hippopotamuses; also shortened to hippo (pl.: hippos), further qualified as the common hippopotamus, Nile hippopotamus, or river hippopotamus, is a large semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa.
- Hippos are large semi-aquatic mammals, with a large barrel-shaped body, short legs, a short tail and an enormous head! They have greyish to muddy-brown skin, which fades to a pale pink colour underneath.
- They are considered the second largest land animal on Earth (first place goes to the elephant!). Males measure around 3.5m long and 1.5m tall, and can weigh up 3,200kg.
- To stay cool in the blistering African heat, hippos spend most of their day in rivers and lakes. Their eyes, nose and ears are located on the top of their head, which means they can see and breathe whilst submerged in the water.
- These magnificent mammals were once found throughout all sub-saharan Africa. Sadly, populations have declined due to habitat loss and hunting. Today, they are largely confined to protected areas in East African countries.
The world's most widespread invasive species. With its six violet petals, yellow “eye,” and glossy leaves, the water hyacinth makes quite an impression. The hippopotamus, also known as the “river horse,” lives along the rivers and lakes throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
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Feb 15, 2023 · February 15th is World Hippo Day! We don’t believe these incredible animals get the public awareness they deserve, in terms of both their successes or their struggles. So what better day to share some wonderful facts about these remarkable beings!
