Hippopotamus

Hippopotamus amphibious

West, Central, East and South Africa, in rivers, lakes and short grasslands

Scientific name Hippopotamus amphibious

IUCN status Vulnerable

Habitat West, Central, East and South Africa, in rivers, lakes and short grasslands

Diet Herbivore – mainly grasses

Graceful swimmers and fast runners, hippos graze during the night and spend most of the day in water to prevent their skin from drying out.

Their eyes, ears and nostrils are positioned on top of the head so they can see, hear and smell when the rest of the body is submerged. Their reddish skin secretion acts as a sunscreen and may prevent any cuts and grazes from becoming infected in dirty water.

Did you know?
The word ‘hippopotamus’ is Greek for ‘river-horse’.