Hippos are massive, mostly herbivorous mammals native to sub-Saharan Africa. These are some of the most truly fascinating creatures in the world, and yet their distinctive physiology means that they have traditionally been difficult to study. That’s why so much about these animals remains a mystery–and why there is so much for us to learn!
In this post, we’ll explore hippo facts from A-Z, including everything from where they live to how fast they can run. We’ll also delve into what makes them unique as well as what it is about these animals that fascinates people around the world. How fast does a hippo run? What are the biggest enemies of hippos? What is the difference between a cow and a hippo? These are just some of the questions we’ll address today.
Let’s begin by looking at where hippos live. First of all, the African river-dwelling hippo lives in Africa. Hippos are native to sub-Saharan Africa and have been found in Senegal, Mali, Tanzania, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia (and they were once found as far south as Tanzania). Hippos like to swim in rivers and lakes where they can find food but they will also eat through thick mud banks and underwater grasses that grow on the riverbanks.
How Much Do You Know about Hippo :
1. Hippos are quite heavy.
The average hippopotamus today weighs around 1,300 lbs. or about 660 kilos. This is a big animal, with a massive head and shoulders that span nearly 2 feet. Because of their size, hippos are very slow movers, although they can run at speeds up to 25 miles per hour.
2. Hippos are group animals.
Most hippos live in herds of over 30 animals, called “kraals.” These kraals usually have territory that they patrol and within which the grass grows strong enough that it allows the herd to graze on it all day long. The grass in the kraal keeps it warm at night, too!
3. Hippos are full of surprises–both good and bad.
Hippos are not just one-eyed giants, but they also have an amazing ability to change their appearance through the continual process of facial shaving and regrowth! This ability is used by these animals to hide from predators in the water (they can’t see clearly if the water is dark) but also in pure play when they are just playing around. The process of shaven faces looks like this: hippopotamus face growth = hair = skin = sand = river bank > river bank = hippo again!
4. Hippos aren’t very picky eaters.
The hippopotamus is an omnivore, which means it will eat both plants and animals (including carrion). Although its diet varies based on where it lives and what the season is, a hippo’s diet typically consists of grasses, aquatic plants and shrubs, fruit (including figs), leaves, flowers and bark. Hippos even like to take a bite out of unwary humans when they venture too close to the water!
5. All hippopotamuses are born pink.
The hippopotamus has special blood glands that produce nitric oxide and erythropoietin hormone, which are essential to maintaining its pink coloration. These hormones are secreted constantly by the hippo’s hypodermal glands, on the back of its third leg in combination with skin pigment molecules. The hormones work to keep the white skin pigments soluble in water and provide a rich shade of black across an animal’s body. In addition to yellow eyes, hippos’ black eyes are contributed by a small patch of light-producing cells under their eyelids that is sensitive to blue light.
6. Hippos have a special way of making love.
Hippos socialize with one another through a form of rough play known as ‘hacking.’ Males engage in hacking in order to stimulate the release of hormones that increase aggression, which is meant to protect the animal from pregnancy and sexual coercion. It also occurs during breeding season, when males compete for access to females by displaying their muscular bodies and fighting aggressively with other males. Females sometimes join in on the hacking; although members of different groups may fight each other, hippos rarely injure or kill one another.
7. Hippos are not good swimmers.
But are they afraid of water? Not at all! Hippos have been observed swimming on both land and in the water in various kinds of aquatic environments. Young hippos spend much of their time playing in rivers and lakes, often being seen wading or floating along the riverbanks and beyond.
8. Hippo hunting is serious business.
Hippos will eat just about anything with meat in it, which includes other types of wildlife as well as livestock and even humans from time to time! Hippopotamuses can be aggressive when hungry, but they do not attack people unless provoked or threatened by humans (who may have shot the animal).
