The hippopotamus is an amphibious mammal found in the heart of Africa’s wetlands. These semi-aquatic creatures live in and around lakes, rivers, and grassland swamps. There are two species of hippopotamuses, the common river hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious) and the smaller pygmy hippopotamus (Cho*ropsis liberiensis).
Hippos must keep their skin wet with mud or water for most of the day to stay hydrated. While they don’t have sweat glands, they secrete a red substance called blood sweat. This helps protect their reddish-brown, thick yet sensitive skin from sunburn and keeps it moisturised. Despite their need to spend most of their time in the water, hippos can’t swim. Instead, they run or walk along river beds. When they’re rafting—napping while submerged in water—a subconscious reflex keeps them near the water’s surface.
These formidable creatures are considered the second largest land mammal, smaller only than elephants. The average male hippo can weigh around 3,200 kilograms, while females usually weigh 30% less. They’re typically 3.5 metres long and 1.5 metres tall.
Hippos have bulky, barrel-shaped bodies, short and stout legs, large heads, and enormously powerful jaws. Their jaws can open to 180 degrees and bite down with three times the strength of a lion. They’re armed with impressive, sharp teeth that can grow up to 50 centimetres long, used for eating and defence. The common hippopotamus has four webbed toes adapted to support them on land and in water. On the other hand, pygmy hippos tend to have less webbing and slightly longer legs. A hippo’s eyes and nostrils sit on top of its head, which helps it stay mostly submerged in water while breathing and keeping an eye on its surroundings. Although hippos can’t breathe underwater, they can hold their breath for up to five minutes.
Hippos exhibit strong social bonds and typically live in groups with anywhere from 40 to 200 hippos, known as bloats, pods, or herds. They are territorial creatures and use their dung to mark their territory. Male hippos have been known to flick their dung around to assert dominance. This dung is actually important to their aquatic ecosystems, as it transfers vital nutrients from the land to the water, allowing insects, plants, and other microorganisms to flourish.
The hippopotamus plays a crucial role in the ecosystem it inhabits in other ways, too. These herbivores graze on the vegetation surrounding wetlands, helping prevent overgrowth, which can clog water sources, disrupt the natural flow of water, and threaten the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems.
Healthy wetlands act as effective carbon sinks and remove excess carbon from the atmosphere. By maintaining the balance of these delicate ecosystems, hippos help mitigate the effects of climate change.
Hippos are facing several threats to their survival as a species. Global conservation efforts are critical to ensuring the well-being of the species and the ecosystems it inhabits.
What is a hippo’s scientific name?
The scientific name for the common or river hippo is Hippopotamus amphibius. The word hippopotamus comes from the Greek words for horse (hippo) and river (potamos), so ‘river horse’ is an apt nickname.
The preferred plural form of hippopotamus is ‘hippopotamuses’, though it’s also acceptable to use ‘hippopotami’.
Are hippos endangered?
The common hippopotamus has been listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2006, meaning it is not endangered. Their population is currently stable, meaning it’s neither increasing nor decreasing.
The pygmy hippopotamus is classified on the IUCN Red List as endangered and has also held that status since 2006. The pygmy hippopotamus population is decreasing, with less than 2,500 mature individuals currently remaining.
Where do hippos live?
Common river hippopotamuses are native to sub-Saharan Africa. They live in waterways like rivers, lakes, swamps, and estuaries. These semi-aquatic mammals can be found in various African countries, with populations in both East and West Africa.
Pygmy hippos, unlike their larger relatives, are found in the tropical rainforests and swamps of four West African countries: Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Their slightly smaller bodies have adapted to allow them to easily navigate the vegetation in rainforests.
