Hippopotamuses

The hippo spends most of the day in water and comes ashore at night to graze. Despite its calm look, it is known as one of Africa's most dangerous animals.

Length: 2.9–5.1 m
Weight: 1.3–3.2 t
Lifespan in the wild: 35–40 years
Conservation status (IUCN): Vulnerable (VU)

Figures are approximate for adults and vary by sex, subspecies and population.

At a glance

The key facts about Hippopotamuses.

Where does it live?It lives in Africa south of the Sahara, in rivers, lakes and swamps with grassland nearby.
What does it eat?It is a herbivore that mostly eats short grass.
Behaviour and social lifeHippos live in the water in groups of females and young, usually in an area held by a dominant male.
CalvesPregnancy lasts about eight months and usually a single calf is born, often in the water.

In depth

Wild animals are not pets. If you find an injured or young wild animal, do not touch it — contact your local wildlife authority.

In short

The hippo spends the day in water to stay cool and feeds on land at night.
It is a herbivore that may walk kilometres in a night to graze.
Rather than swimming, it moves by walking or bouncing along the bottom.
It can be extremely aggressive when defending its territory or young.
The IUCN lists it as Vulnerable; habitat loss and hunting for meat and teeth are the main threats.

The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is among the largest land mammals, along with elephants and rhinos. Its name means "river horse" in Ancient Greek, but it is not related to horses; its closest living relatives are thought to be whales and dolphins.

Where does it live?

It lives in Africa south of the Sahara, in rivers, lakes and swamps with grassland nearby. During the day it needs water deep enough to keep its body cool and moist.

What does it eat?

It is a herbivore that mostly eats short grass. It leaves the water at dusk and grazes through the night, sometimes walking several kilometres. It spends the day resting in the water.

Hippos live in the water in groups of females and young, usually in an area held by a dominant male. Males defend their territories fiercely: they open their mouths wide to display their teeth and may fight. They are not good swimmers; they walk or bounce along the bottom instead.

Calves

Pregnancy lasts about eight months and usually a single calf is born, often in the water. The calf can suckle underwater and stays very close to its mother.

Conservation status

The hippopotamus is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List. Loss of water sources and riverside grazing to farming, illegal hunting for meat and teeth, and conflict with people are the main threats.

Fun facts

Hippo skin produces a reddish secretion thought to act as a sunscreen.
Its nostrils and ears close when it dives.
Its long canine teeth keep growing throughout life.

Good to know

The most important points.

Keep away from wild animalsHippos can run fast and may attack when approached. Always keep a safe distance in the wild and follow your guides' advice.