Large Mammals
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| Scientific Name: Hippopotamus amphibius |
| Description: |
| The hippopotamus is the second-largest land mammal, weighing up to 8,000 pounds, with the elephant being the largest. Hippos have extensive adaptations for life in the water, with webbed feet and eyes located on top of their head allowing them to see when the rest of their body is submerged. Their ears and nostrils can seal shut whenever they swim or dive. Hippos normally stay underwater for about six minutes but can stay submerged for up to 20 minutes. Herds of as many as 30 hippos spend most of the daytime submerged in water. During the night, they often emerge to walk along the banks of a river and out into the savanna, browsing on vegetation (mainly grasses) as much as a mile or two from water. Glands in their skin secrete a pink liquid that keeps their skin from getting too dry as they graze. Early observations of this hippo "sweat" led to the mistaken belief that hippopotamuses sweat blood. Their barrel-like appearance, with short legs and a belly only inches from the ground, does not inhibit them from moving quickly on land when necessary - - up to 25 mph. Adult females give birth to a single calf that can swim before it can walk. Young hippos nurse underwater and when finished, they climb onto their mothers' backs to seek refuge from crocodiles. Hippos become mature at 5 to 10 years of age and have been known to live 54 years in captivity. |
| Range: |
| The hippopotamus was originally found throughout Africa, south of the Sahara, in all suitable habitats. Although recent surveys reveal this animal to be widely distributed, its numbers have decreased in many areas. However, hippos are still abundant in East Africa, especially Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda. |
| Status in the Wild: |
| The wild population, although stable, is potentially threatened by several factors. Cultivation has taken away some of the hippo's grazing areas, and they often cause serious damage to crops. They are often killed for this behavior, as well as for sport, food and their teeth, which are now being used as a substitute for ivory. |
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