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The hippopotamus, a massive semi-aquatic mammal, might look cuddly, but it’s a force to be reckoned with. As the third-largest land animal, it’s surprisingly related to whales and dolphins. Despite their herbivorous diet, hippos are known for their unpredictable and aggressive nature, making them one of Africa’s deadliest animals. Unfortunately, poaching for their ivory tusks and habitat loss threaten their survival, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts. To know hippos better read all the facts about Hippopotamus listed in this article hereon.
Table of Contents
What Makes Hippos Special? – Hippopotamus Facts
First and foremost, let us learn some of the most important facts about hippopotamus’s characteristics very briefly in the table below:
| Criteria | Facts about Hippopotamus Characteristics |
| Sounds | Grunts, snorts, bellows, and loud roars |
| Diet | Primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses and aquatic plants |
| Lifespan | 40-50 years in the wild, and up to 50 years in captivity. |
| Size | Length: 3.3-5 meters (10.8-16.5 feet) Weight: 1,300-3,200 kilograms (2,866-7,055 pounds) |
| Mass | Male: 1600 – 4,500kg Female: 1,300-1,500kg |
| Speed | 30 km/h |
| Habitat | Shallow lakes, rivers, and swamps in sub-Saharan Africa |
| Predators | Humans are the main threat to hippos due to habitat loss and hunting |
| Evolution | Hippos are ancient mammals with a lineage dating back millions of years. They are closely related to whales and dolphin |
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10 Interesting Facts about HIppopotamus
Do you want to know which is the second largest land animal? Or where Hippopotamus spend most of their time? To know all these answers read all the facts listed below –
- Hippos are large, semi-aquatic mammals.
- They are the second largest land animal.
- They spend most of their time in water.
- Hippos are found in sub-Saharan Africa.
- They are herbivores.
- Hippos are good swimmers.
- They live in groups.
- Male hippos are territorial.
- Female hippos give birth to calves.
- Hippos live for 40-50 years.
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10 Fun Facts about Hippopotamus
Isn’t it interesting to know that Hippos might look slow, but they can run faster than humans? Do you want to know more such interesting facts about Hippopotamus then read all the facts about them listed below –
- Hippos are very big animals.
- There are two kinds of hippos – Common Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius),Pygmy Hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis).
- Hippos can stay underwater for a long time.
- Hippos are in danger.
- Hippos eat plants.
- Baby hippos are called calves.
- Hippos are more active at night.
- Hippos have a special liquid to protect their skin.
- Hippos can recognize each other by smell.
- Hippos are vital for their ecosystems, fertilizing the land, creating habitats, regulating water flow, and supporting biodiversity.
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Weird Facts about Hippos
Do you want to know how Hippos protect their skin? Or why the colour of hippo milk is pink? To get the answers to all these questions read the facts listed below –
- “Hippopotamus” means “river horse” in Greek.
- Adult hippos can weigh up to 4,000 kilograms.
- Hippos can open their mouths very wide, up to 180 degrees.
- Their large teeth are for fighting, not eating.
- They can run up to 30 kilometres per hour on land.
- Hippos are more closely related to whales and dolphins.
- They mark their territory with dung.
- Young hippos are called calves.
- They secrete a reddish fluid to protect their skin.
- Hippo milk is actually pink! This unusual colour is due to the high iron content
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GK Quiz on Hippopotamus
Instruction: Go through the following questions based on Hippo facts to choose the correct answers from the options below.
Q1: What is the largest land mammal in Africa?
| A. Elephant |
| B. Giraffe |
| C. Hippopotamus |
| D. Lion |
Q2: Where do hippos spend most of their time?
| A. In the savanna |
| B. In the forest |
| C. In the water |
| D. On mountains |
Q3: What do hippos mainly eat?
| A. Meat |
| B. Fish |
| C. Insects |
| D. Plants |
Q4: Are hippos dangerous to humans?
| A. No, they are gentle giants |
| B. Only when they are hungry |
| C. Yes, they can be very aggressive |
| D. Only during mating season |
Q5: What is a baby hippopotamus called?
| A. Fawn |
| B. Calf |
| C. Cub |
| D. Pup |
Answer Key
| Q1: C |
| Q2: C |
| Q3: D |
| Q4: C |
| Q5: B |
FAQs
Yes, hippos possess excellent night vision, allowing them to navigate their surroundings with ease even in the darkest conditions. Their large eyes and specialized retinal structure enable them to perceive light levels far below what humans can detect.
Hippos are remarkable creatures with a unique adaptation for their semi-aquatic lifestyle: they can hold their breath underwater for an impressive duration of up to 5 minutes.
5 facts about hippos for kids: “Hippopotamus” means “river horse” in Greek, Adult hippos can weigh up to 4,000 kilograms, Hippos can open their mouths very wide, up to 180 degrees, their large teeth are for fighting, not eating, they can run up to 30 kilometres per hour on land.
scary hippo facts: Hippos are often referred to as one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, They are highly territorial and aggressive, especially during mating season. Hippos have been known to charge and attack boats, and they are responsible for numerous human deaths each year.
Relevant Reads
Hope you like reading the most interesting Facts about Hippopotamus. If you want to know more about topics like this, then visit our Interesting Facts and General Knowledge page!