Hippopotamus |
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Unique Features
Hippos are amphibians - they live on land and in water. While in water, the hippo's heartbeat slows down to 20 beats per minute compared to 90 beats per minute while on land. While totally submerged under water, the hippo's nostrils close like a watertight seal. The hippo's skin is very sensitive to the heat of the sun, which has a drying effect on the skin. That is why hippos must have either shade , water or mud to wallow in to avoid their skin drying out. Like elephant, they use mud and water to cool their body temperatures. Hippos exude a pinkish fluid through their skin that acts as a natural "suntan lotion" that screens out dangerous ultraviolet rays from the sun. Description The Hippopotamus has very little hair on the body. On average, a hippo stands 140cm tall at the shoulder. Hippos have massive barrel-shaped bodies and greyish-black skin and the head alone may weight as much as half a ton. Their ears, eyes and nostrils are almost on the same level, which makes it easy for them to see, hear and breathe while the rest of their bodies are under water. Despite their body size, hippos can run at speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour on land. Hippos feed off grass, reeds and aquatic plants. They graze at night and may travel several kilometers during the night in pursuit of food. Hippos spend their days either in water or sunning themselves on river banks or sandbanks. After dark they graze on land, following well worn hippo paths. They return to the safety of their water home at dawn. An adult hippo may consume as much as 200 kilograms of grass in one night. Predators Because of their size, healthy hippo adults fear no predators. They are able to use their tusks in self defense and can bite a large crocodile clean in half. When in danger from crocodiles, hippo young often ride on their mother's backs in the water, safely out of reach of danger. Family Ties Hippos are commonly found in groups of around 15 animals made up of both males and females of all ages. Hippos fight among themselves. Bellowing and grunting, they may lash out with their tusks and bite at each other for over two hours, until one of the combatants are defeated and retreat. Despite their thick skin, hippo often suffer serious and sometimes fatal wounds fighting each other. The dominant leader of the group is usually the largest member of the group - usually a male. A newborn hippo weighs about 50 kilograms at birth and is able to swim immediately. |