The hippopotamus: a creature of apparent contradictions. They look almost cartoonishly docile, yet they’re considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. They spend much of their lives submerged, but they’re also land-dwelling mammals that play an essential role in their environment.
Did you know hippos kill an estimated 3,000 people every year?
This article dives into the fascinating world of hippos, covering their physical characteristics, behaviors, and ecological importance. We’ll also take a look at their current conservation status and share some more interesting facts about hippos.
River horses with surprising features
When you picture a hippo, you might think of a big, gray, lumbering animal that spends a lot of time in the water. And you wouldn’t be wrong. But there are a few things about hippos that might surprise you.
Size and weight
Hippos are among the biggest land mammals on Earth, and most common hippos weigh between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds. The average common hippo is between 6 and 16 feet long, while pygmy hippos are only about 5 feet long.
Jaws and teeth
Hippos have massive jaws and large canine teeth. They can open their mouths as wide as 150 degrees, and their bite is strong enough to crush a watermelon. They mainly use their teeth for defense and fighting over territory.
Skin and “sweat”
Hippos secrete a reddish, oily substance that works as both a natural sunscreen and an antibiotic. It’s not actually sweat, though!
Behavior and Habits: More Than Just Lounging in the Water
Hippos are more than just big, chill animals that like to hang out in the water. They have a complex social structure and some pretty unique habits.
Semi-Aquatic Lifestyle
Hippos are semi-aquatic, meaning they spend a good portion of their lives in the water—up to 16 hours a day, in fact. They’re sometimes called “river horses” because of their love for the water.
These animals spend so much time underwater that they’ve figured out how to navigate there. Hippos can hold their breath for up to five minutes, and they don’t swim so much as walk along the bottom of the river or lake.
Diet and Feeding
Hippos are mostly herbivores. They can chow down on up to 80 pounds of grass every night! They’ll also eat aquatic plants and other vegetation when it’s available.
Social Structure and Communication
Hippos live in groups called pods, which are usually led by a dominant female. Pods can range in size from 10 to 30 individuals.
These pods are quite vocal! They communicate through a variety of sounds, including grunts that can reach a whopping 115 decibels.
Territoriality and Aggression
Hippos are highly territorial and can be very aggressive, especially in the water. They’re known to use their tails to flap and spray feces to mark their territory—talk about sending a message!
Hippos as ecosystem engineers
Hippos aren’t just big, charismatic animals; they’re also important for maintaining healthy ecosystems. Scientists sometimes call them “ecosystem engineers.” This means that their presence and behavior significantly shape the environment around them.
Hippos spend a lot of time in the water, and their movements help to stir up the sediment and fertilize the water with their waste. This creates microhabitats that other species rely on.
They also play a role in maintaining the balance of plant life. Hippos are herbivores, and their grazing habits help prevent any single plant species from dominating their environment. Without hippos, wetlands might look very different!
A Vulnerable Giant
Despite their size and strength, hippos face a number of serious threats. They’re currently classified as “vulnerable,” meaning they’re at risk of becoming endangered.
One of the biggest problems is habitat loss. As human populations grow and expand, hippos lose the land and water sources they need to survive. They’re also targeted by poachers for their meat and ivory teeth, and droughts can decimate populations by reducing access to water.
In unstable regions, hunting and armed conflict have had a devastating impact on hippo numbers. And in a strange twist, a population of hippos descended from animals smuggled into Colombia is now considered an invasive species.
Putting It All Together
Hippos are truly remarkable creatures. Their unique adaptations and role as ecosystem engineers make them a keystone species. But these amazing animals are facing increasing threats to their survival.
We need to step up our conservation efforts to protect hippo habitats and reduce the human-caused dangers they face. Learn more about hippos and the challenges they face. Support the work of conservation organizations dedicated to protecting these incredible animals for generations to come. Every action, no matter how small, can make a difference.