Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus amphibius
Quick answer
The hippopotamus is a massive semi-aquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa, weighing up to 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Despite a plant-based diet, hippos are highly territorial and are considered one of the most dangerous large animals to humans in Africa. Wild hippos live around 40 to 50 years.
Hippopotamus facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Hippopotamus amphibius |
|---|---|
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Habitat | Rivers, lakes, and wetlands |
| Lifespan | 40–50 years in the wild |
| Weight | 1,000–1,500 kg (2,200–3,300 lb) |
| Top speed | 30 km/h (19 mph) on land |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Artiodactyla |
| Family | Hippopotamidae |
| Genus | Hippopotamus |
Life in and out of water
Hippos spend up to 16 hours a day in water to keep their huge bodies cool and protected from the sun. They cannot truly swim; instead they walk or push off along the riverbed and can hold their breath for around five minutes. Their skin secretes a reddish substance, sometimes called blood sweat, that acts as a natural sunscreen and antibiotic.
Diet and territory
Hippos leave the water at night to graze on grass, eating around 35 kg (80 lb) in a session. Despite their herbivorous diet, bulls are fiercely territorial in water and will defend their stretch of river aggressively, using their enormous jaws and tusk-like canine teeth.
Why hippos are so dangerous
Hippos are responsible for an estimated several hundred human deaths in Africa each year, more than lions or crocodiles. They are unpredictable, surprisingly fast on land, and will capsize boats and attack anything they see as a threat to their territory or young.
Conservation
Hippos are listed as Vulnerable, with populations under pressure from habitat loss as rivers and wetlands are drained or diverted, and from illegal hunting for their meat and ivory canine teeth. Protected reserves and stable water sources are key to their future.
Frequently asked questions about the Hippopotamus
Are hippos dangerous?
Yes. Hippos are considered one of the most dangerous large animals in Africa, blamed for an estimated several hundred human deaths each year. They are highly territorial and will attack boats and people that come too close.
What do hippos eat?
Hippos are herbivores that feed mainly on grass. They leave the water at night to graze, eating around 35 kg (80 lb) of vegetation in a single feeding session.
Can hippos swim?
Not in the usual sense. Hippos are too dense to float easily, so instead of swimming they walk or push off along the bottom of rivers and lakes and can hold their breath for about five minutes.
How fast can a hippo run?
On land, a hippo can run up to about 30 km/h (19 mph) over short distances, fast enough to outpace a person despite its enormous bulk.
How much does a hippo weigh?
Adult hippos typically weigh between 1,000 and 1,500 kg (2,200 to 3,300 lb), with large males occasionally exceeding that, making them one of the heaviest land animals after elephants and rhinos.
