The Hippopotamus or Hippo, similar to terrestrial even-toed ungulates such as pigs, is an aquatic mammal found throughout sub-Saharan Africa and identical in appearance to its terrestrial relatives. The term Hippo comes from ancient Greek “hippopotamus”, meaning water horse/horse river, respectively.
Hippos may appear intimidating at first glance, yet they hold many surprises! To unearth more about their fascinating behaviour and discover all its mysteries, we have compiled a list of 10 interesting hippo facts.
Top 10 Astonishing Hippo Facts
1: Hippopotamus Ranks Third Among Land Mammals in Size
Hippos are considered among the third largest land mammals worldwide, after elephants and rhinoceroses. Their impressive bulk and size include males averaging 3,500 to 9,920 pounds while females can weigh as little as 3,000. Hippos typically measure 10.8-16.5 feet long on average and stand approximately 5 feet high within their natural environments – testaments to these magnificent animals being part of our environment!
2: Hippos Are Both Amphibious and Herbivorous Animals
One of the more surprising hippo facts is their diet; hippos’ food source comes primarily from vegetation such as grasses on land or aquatic plants – this source provides vital nutrition.
Hippos have evolved to survive off of vegetation found near water sources, furthering their adaptation as amphibious creatures.
3: Hippo’s Gestation Period Is 243 Days, Almost 8 Months
Hippo facts reveal that their gestation period can last as much as eight months and, on average, lasts between 237 and 252 days.
Hippos give birth underwater, usually one at a time; multiple births are exceedingly rare and typically occur during the rainy season. At birth, their newborn calf weighs between 50 and 100 pounds.
4: There Are Two Known Species of Hippopotamus
Yes, only two species of hippopotamus exist:
- Common Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)
are primarily found in lakes, rivers, and mangrove swamps in sub-Saharan Africa. They live semi-aquatic lifestyles, primarily submerged underwater for most of the time. According to IUCN Red List estimates of their population, common hippopotamus number between 125,000 and 148,000 animals worldwide.
- Pygmy Hippopotamus (Choeropsis Liberiensis Or Hexaprotodon Liberiensis)
This species is smaller than its more widely known cousin and is typically found nocturnally in forests and swamps of West African nations such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ivory Coast. According to an IUCN report, its estimated population is less than three hundred individuals, making it an endangered species.
5: Hippos Can Eat Roughly 80 Pounds of Grass Each Night Daily
Hippos, being herbivorous animals, feed predominantly on grass; their primary food source is around 80 pounds per night after emerging from water onto land and travelling up to six miles to fill their stomachs each night. Remarkably, they store up food within their bodies so as to go without eating when food shortages arise – an impressive feat indeed!
6: Hippos Can Hold Their Breath for Five Minutes
Heavy Hydras can hold their breath underwater for five minutes at a time when completely submerged, as their ears and nostrils close tightly against water entering through their ears and nostrils. This contributes to their underwater endurance.
Hippos can submerge their entire bodies underwater for extended periods, even sleeping underwater. When they need air, they emerge to the surface for brief moments to breathe through their nostrils before returning underwater again.
7: Hippos Live for Around 40 Years in the Wild
Hippos typically live for four decades in the wild, but their lifespan can extend up to 50 in captivity. Their lifespan depends on many factors, including climate conditions, food resources, habitat quality, disease risks, and social interaction. Deforestation and development activities pose major threats that affect longevity, as they also interfere with food resources for survival and distribution.
Bertha, known by many as Lucifer in 2024. Bertha lived to be 65 years old before passing away in 2017. As of now, Lu (also referred to as Lucifer) currently lives at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
8: Hippos Can’t Swim
Hippos may appear aquatically adept; however, they cannot swim as other aquatic species do; instead, they prefer walking or standing on surfaces below water, such as sandbanks and riverbeds, rather than buoyantly swimming as other animals do. Their thick body structure and heavy bones prevent buoyant swimming capabilities.
9: Hippos Make Their Own Sunscreen
Hippos’ sweat acts as an effective sunscreen for their bodies—one of many amazing facts about these fascinating mammals! Their secretions contain red pigments containing antibiotics and orange pigments protecting from UV rays, shielding their skin against damage caused by sun exposure. This remarkable secretion keeps their bodies safe.
Hippos’ sweat glands produce visible secretions from their pores to cool themselves down in hot temperatures and protect them from sunburn due to their lack of hair. These glands act like natural sunscreen and safeguard their bodies against damage from sun rays.
10: Hippos Mate in the Water
Hippopotamus are aquatic mammals who engage in mating rituals primarily underwater. Female hippos typically reach sexual maturity at around 7 or 8 years of age and exhibit dominant behaviour when mating; females occasionally surface for air during these encounters before continuing the mating process afterwards.
Conclusion
Hippos are truly remarkable animals. From their impressive size and semi-aquatic lifestyles, herbivorous diet, and complex mating system to their fascinating mating process and unique mating habits, these facts demonstrate their remarkable adaptations that set hippos apart as fascinating and distinctive animals.
FAQs
What are 5 interesting facts about hippos?
Five interesting facts about hippos include:
- The hippopotamus ranked third among land mammals for size.
- Hippos can be both amphibians and herbivorous animals
- Their gestation period lasts an estimated eight months
- There are two species known to be hippopotamus.
- Animals of this size typically can consume around 80 pounds of grass each night.
How long is a hippo’s gestation period?
Gestation periods typically last 243 days in hippos but can range between 237 and 252 days, depending on individual hippos.
How much grass does a hippo eat per day?
Hippos have an appetite that consumes 80 pounds of grass each day!
How many minutes can hippo hold their breath?
Hippopotamus can hold their breath underwater for five minutes or longer, which makes them brilliant aquatic creatures.
How long do hippos live in the wild?
Hippos can live up to 40-50 years in captivity or the wild, depending on environmental conditions such as climate, food availability, and predator threats.