Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus, Large Hippo

Hippopotamus amphibius

Vulnerable ↓

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

40 years

Length

3.5 m

Weight

1.5 t

Population

130.0K

Trend

↓ Decreasing

About

Africa's most dangerous large mammal, common hippos can reach 3,200 kg and inhabit rivers, lakes, and wetlands of sub-Saharan Africa. Semi-aquatic, spending up to 16 hours daily submerged to keep cool, they graze on land at night. Despite appearing docile, hippos are extremely aggressive and territorial, responsible for hundreds of human fatalities annually. Vulnerable, with populations threatened by habitat loss and illegal hunting for ivory tusks.

Fun Facts

✨ Hippos secrete a red substance that acts as sunscreen.
✨ They are responsible for more human deaths in Africa than any other large animal.
✨ Hippos can hold their breath for up to 5 minutes.

Habitat & Distribution

Found across multiple habitat types including tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, tropical and subtropical grasslands and savannas, and flooded grasslands and savannas, among 5 distinct biome types within the Afrotropic biogeographic realm. Populations are also found in montane and highland environments at higher elevations.

🌾 Savanna 💧 Wetlands (Inland)

Distributed across Colombia and Kenya. Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

🇰🇪 Kenya 🇨🇴 Colombia

Diet & Behavior

🌿

Herbivore

Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus, Large Hippo is classified as herbivore, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🌿 Herbivore

Plant matter 100%

Conservation Status

VU Vulnerable

Estimated Population

130.0K

Population Trend

↓ Decreasing

Full Taxonomy

Mammalia (млекопитающие)

Order

Artiodactyla (парнокопытные)

Family

Hippopotamidae (Hippos)

Genus

Hippopotamus (Hippos)

Species

Hippopotamus amphibius (Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus, Large Hippo)

Names in Other Languages

Spanish Hipopótamo Anfibio

French Hippopotame

German Flußpferd

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus, Large Hippo?

The scientific name of Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus, Large Hippo is Hippopotamus amphibius. It belongs to the genus Hippopotamus.

What is the conservation status of Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus, Large Hippo?

Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus, Large Hippo (Hippopotamus amphibius) is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. The population trend is decreasing.

Where does Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus, Large Hippo live?

Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus, Large Hippo is found in Distributed across Colombia and Kenya. Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.. Countries include Colombia, Kenya.

What family does Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus, Large Hippo belong to?

Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus, Large Hippo (Hippopotamus amphibius) belongs to the genus Hippopotamus, which is part of the taxonomic family Hippopotamidae.

What does Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus, Large Hippo eat?

Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus, Large Hippo is herbivore. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.

How long does Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus, Large Hippo live?

Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus, Large Hippo has an average lifespan of approximately 40 years in the wild.

How many Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus, Large Hippo are left in the wild?

The estimated wild population of Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus, Large Hippo (Hippopotamus amphibius) is approximately 130,000 individuals.

Is Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus, Large Hippo endangered?

Yes, Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus, Large Hippo (Hippopotamus amphibius) is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, which means it faces a significant risk of extinction in the wild.