Hippos
What do you already know about Hippos?
Hippopotamuses, or hippos for short, are large mammals that live in Africa. They have big solid bodies, short stumpy legs and a very big head and mouth! Inside their mouth are scary sharp teeth and long tusks.
Their eyes are at the top of their head so they can see while they keep the rest of their body in the water. Their nose is also on the top of their head so they can breathe easily too.
A hippos skin is a grey brown colour except for patches of pale pink, especially underneath.
There are two species of hippo, the Common Hippopotamus, lots of which are found in Eastern Africa and the Pigmy Hippopotamus, which are found in West Africa. You can probably tell by their names but there are a lot more Common Hippos and they are the species most commonly found in the wild. Having said that, they are listed as vulnerable, one step below becoming endangered. Pigmy Hippos are sadly endangered and there is only about 2500 left in the wild. There are differences between the two species, but the main difference is their size.
The Common Hippopotamus is the largest out of the two species. They can weigh up to about 4000 pounds.
The Pigmy Hippopotamus is much smaller. They weigh up to about 600 pounds.
You have to look very carefully to spot any differences between the two species but there definitely are some!
Hippos spend a lot of their time in water and can be found living in rivers, lakes and swamps. The Common Hippopotamus spends almost all its time in the water. The Pigmy Hippopotamus however spends a bit more time on land.
Africa can be a hot place to live so spending the hot part of the day in the water helps keep their bodies cool. Hippos are really good swimmers and can hold their breath under water for around 5 to 10 minutes, which is a long time.
Hippos climb out of the water when its getting dark to find food. They don’t need a lot of food compared to the size of their bodies as they don’t move around very much so don’t use up very much energy. They are herbivores and mainly eat grass.
Did you know...
The Common Hippopotamus like to live in big groups of up to about 20 hippos. A group of hippos is called a bloat! Like many animal groups these herds are led by a dominant male. The other members are females, called cows and their babies, called calves. Pigmy Hippos however prefer to live on their own, or maybe with just one more hippo.
Hippos often have fights with each other. They are a threat to other animals and humans especially when out of the water and will attack anything in its way back to the safety of its river or lake.
What we've learnt...
There are two species of hippo, the Common Hippo and the Pigmy Hippo.
Hippos live in rivers, lakes and swamps in Africa. They spend a lot of time in the water but get out and walk on land too, mainly to eat.
They are dangerous animals if they feel threatened.
Hippos are herbivores and like eating grass in particular. Because they don’t move around very much they don’t need to eat lots.
Common Hippos live in groups called bloats.
Test your knowledge...
Hippos Quiz
If you click the correct answer the box will turn green. If its the wrong answer it will turn red and then show you what the correct answer was. Make sure you read/listen to the questions carefully!
#1. Which species of hippo is endangered?
#2. What do hippos like to eat?
#3. Which is the biggest species of hippo?
#4. What is a group of hippos called?
#5. Where do Hippos live?
Results
I really hope you have enjoyed learning all about Hippos, with me Flash!
Question Time...
Any questions?
Is there anything else you’d like to know? Ask your grown up / teacher to ask me! Your question and my answer could then appear here.
All photos and illustrations on this page are Whizzbots or Public Domain Images.
Other images on the site may be Shutterstock Images or Creative Commons / Unsplash Images, which are credited appropriately and used with thanks.