Hippopotamus pics

The hippo lives in Africa, south of the Sahara and along the length of the Nile river, although its range once included Asia and large parts of Europe. Recent DNA evidence suggests that the hippopotamus is more closely related to whales and dolphins than it is to any other even-toed hoofed mammal.

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The hippo’s yawn is not a sign of sleepiness or boredom but is actually a threat gesture, displaying long, thick, razor-sharp canine teeth, or tusks. Hippopotamuses live in groups of fifteen or more individuals consisting mainly of females, their young, a dominant adult male, and a few inferior males. Once the lead bull establishes a territory, he will scare off any challengers that threaten his authority over his home or his group. Hippos spend up to 16 hours a day submerged in rivers and lakes to keep their massive bodies cool under the hot African sun. Hippopotamuses are good swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for up to five minutes. Source

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When a hippo is ready to eat, it lumbers out of the water at dusk when most other animals are settling in for the night. A hungry hippopotamus can wander up to ten km away from its waterhole to look for a meal. On land, hippos clear trails through vegetation which allow other animals easy access to water. They make these pathways while searching for their favorite food-short grasses. This keeps these grasses well trimmed, which stimulates new growth and discourages takeover by shrubs and trees. Source

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Hippo calf and his mother, sleeping side by side on the sand.

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Hippo at Chobe River Front, Botswana.

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