Hippopotamus
(Hippopotamus amphibius)
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Height:
Weight:
Length:
Life Span:
Gestation:
Litter size:
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30-170 cm.
585-825 lb.
5-6 ft.
40-50 yrs.
7 mo.
1
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Status:
Like the elephant, the hippo has been hunted for their ivory. The
hippo is listed as threatened.
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Report by Jesse
Picture of a Hippo
Picture from ZooNet
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Physical Characteristics
The hippopotamus has a hairless body except for bristles on the lip and tail. It is a heavy-bodied,
short-legged, short-tailed animal. The hippo's eyes, ears and nostrils are
designed so that they are above the water line when the body is submerged, enabling it to
breathe, see and hear while concealed. The hippo's nostrils close when the animal is totally
submerged. It has body pores that secrete a clear mucus that makes the hippo slick to the
touch and also helps while the animal is in the water. The hippo's mouth is huge and
contains long, pointed incisor and canine teeth. Lower canine teeth modified as tusks and
are valued as ivory.
Habitat, Daily Life and Feeding
Hippopotamuos live in wet forest, streams and swamps; it needs water to survive. The Hippo is a
herbivore. It eats fallen fruit and aquatic shoots and leaves. Hippo's are found in numerous
herds mostly composed of female and calves. They sleep and rest during the day by or in
the water. They are most active during the night even if they are just looking for food.
The hippo can eat up 60kg of grass that it rips off with its lips. The Hippo does not have
any kind of natural life.
Reproduction
After a period of 7 months a baby calf is born. At birth the calf will way 6-8 pounds.
Usually a single young are born. Hippos live for 40-50 years.
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