Hippopotamus

Hippopotamus amphibius

Conservation Status

Near Threatened

Mammalia · Artiodactyla · Hippopotamidae

About

The hippopotamus, often shortened to hippo, further qualified as the common hippopotamus, Nile hippopotamus and river hippopotamus, is a large semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus. Its name comes from the Ancient Greek for "river horse" (ἱπποπόταμος).

Fun Fact

Hippos secrete a natural red-tinted 'sunscreen' from their skin that absorbs ultraviolet light and has antibacterial properties — early observers mistakenly described hippos as 'sweating blood.'

Quick Facts

Habitat

Rivers, lakes, and wetlands

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

40-50 years

Threats

Invasive Aquatic Species
Poaching
Wetland Drainage

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

More Mammals Species

Abbott's Duiker EN Abbott's Gibbon EN Addax CR African Elephant EN African Forest Elephant CR African Wild Ass CR

Browse all Mammals →