The Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus
amphibious,) commonly referred to as the hippo, is one of the two members of
the family Hippopotamidae. This large mammal is native to Sub Saharan Africa
and live near rivers and streams. A semi aquatic mammal, the hippo is one of
the heaviest living animals on the planet. Their closest relative is the whale
and not the pig as commonly believed.
The male hippo, or
bull, dominates a certain strip of riverside and presides over a group of
females and children. There can be as few as five and as many as 30 members
under one male hippo's supervision. Male hippos can weigh as much as 9000
pounds whereas full grown female hippos weigh an average of 3000 pounds.
Hippos spend a lot
of their time in the water. In fact they reproduce and deliver children in the
water. Rivers act as a place to stay cool during the hot African days.
Wallowing in mud also helps the hippo keep their temperature down and prevent
burning. As the sun goes down, hippos leave the river to search for and graze
on graze.
Mainly herbivores
(plant eaters), hippos can live to as old as 50 but most have an average lifespan
of 40. With three species of hippo already extinct, the remaining five sub
species are a concern for conservation organization due to a reduction in fresh
water as well as poaching in their native habitats.