Hippopotamus

Hippopotamus
Pod of hippos, Luangwa Valley, Zambia
Pod of hippos, Luangwa Valley, Zambia
Conservation status
Status iucn3.1 VU.svg
Vulnerable (IUCN)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Superorder: Cetartiodactyla
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Hippopotamidae
Genus: Hippopotamus
Species: H. amphibius
Binomial name
Hippopotamus amphibius
Linnaeus, 1758
Range map
Range map

The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) (from Greek: hippos horse, potamus, river--"River Horse") (Hippo) is a large mammal of the Hippopotamidae family.

Physical description

Hippos have big and heavy bodies, dark gray skin, and short legs. A hippo's main defence is their extremely strong mouth. Hippos are actually strong enough to break an alligator in half with one bite[needs proving], but they are usually not violent unless something attacks their babies. They can grow to be 15 feet long and weigh 3,000 pounds. [1]

Habitat

Hippopotamuses live in Africa, and can be found in the Congo Rainforest. They live in and near fresh water, like lakes and rivers.

Life

Hippopotamuses are herbivores. They live in groups. Sometimes 30 hippopotamuses will live in the same place. They swim very well, and can actually walk along the bottom of the river. [1]They usually stay in the mud and water during the day and come out to eat grass or leaves at night. The people of the Congo love to eat hippopotamus meat. [1]Many of the hippos are killed for food, even though it is illegal.

Images

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 History and Geography. LIFEPAC. Alpha Omega Publications, 39 to 40. ISBN 978-1-58095-155-5.