Top 10 Astonishing Hippo Facts

Hippo

Hippo Facts
03 Jul, 2024

The hippopotamus, or hippo, resembling pigs and other terrestrial even-toed ungulates, is a large semi-aquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. The word “hippopotamus” is derived from the ancient Greek word “hipopótamos,” which means “water horse” or “horse river.” 

Despite their imposing appearance, hippos are full of surprises. To uncover their intriguing nature, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 fascinating hippo facts. 

Top 10 Astonishing Hippo Facts

1: Hippopotamus Ranks Third Among Land Mammals in Size

Hippos ranks as the third largest land mammals globally, following elephants and rhinoceroses. Their sheer bulk and size are impressive, with males averaging between 3,500 to 9,920 pounds while females can weigh up to 3,000 pounds. Typically, hippos measure between 10.8 to 16.5 feet in length and stand about 5.2 feet tall on average. These dimensions underscore the remarkable physical presence of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

2: Hippos Are Both Amphibious and Herbivorous Animals

Among the plethora of intriguing hippo facts, one that never fails to amaze is their primarily herbivorous diet. Despite their long and sharp teeth, hippos predominantly consume vegetation, feeding on various grasses on land and aquatic plants. Their nutrition is derived mainly from these plant sources.

Hippos have adapted to obtain their sustenance from the lush vegetation found in plains near water sources, showcasing their amphibious nature. 

3: Hippo’s Gestation Period Is 243 Days, Almost 8 Months

The hippo facts reveal that hippo’s pregnancies are lengthy compared to other mammals. Yes, their gestation period lasts almost 243 days, which is approximately eight months, though it can range from  237 to 252 days.

Hippos give birth to one baby at a time underwater. It is very rare for them to give birth to more than one baby, and this mostly occurs during the rainy season. The weight of a baby calf at the time of birth is approximately 50 to 100 pounds. 

4: There Are Two Known Species of Hippopotamus

Yes, there are only two species of hippopotamus: the Common Hippopotamus and the Pygmy Hippopotamus. 

  • Common Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)

The common hippopotamus is larger and found in the lakes, rivers, and mangrove swamps of sub-Saharan Africa. It primarily lives a semi-aquatic lifestyle, often spending most of the time underwater. According to the IUCN Red List, the population of common hippopotamus ranges between 125,000 and 148,000.

  • Pygmy Hippopotamus (Choeropsis Liberiensis Or Hexaprotodon Liberiensis)

The Pygmy Hippopotamus is smaller than the common hippopotamus. It is nocturnal and found in the forests and swamps of West African countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ivory Coast. According to the IUCN report, the estimated population of pygmy hippos is less than 3,000, making them endangered.

5: Hippos Can Eat Roughly 80 Pounds of Grass Each Night Daily

Being herbivorous, hippos’ primary diet includes grass, and they can eat around 80 pounds of grass each night after coming out of the water onto land. They travel up to six miles in one night to fill their stomachs. Remarkably, these grass gobblers can store food in their stomach and can go without eating for weeks, especially when food shortages occur. 

6: Hippos Can Hold Their Breath for Five Minutes

The heavy hydras can hold their breath underwater for up to five minutes. When fully submerged, their ears and nostrils close tightly to prevent water from entering, aiding in their underwater endurance.

Hippos can submerge their entire bodies and even sleep underwater. When they need to breathe, they rise to the surface, inhale through their nostrils, and then return underwater. 

7: Hippos Live for Around 40 Years in the Wild

In the wild, hippos typically live about 40 years, but they can reach up to 50 years in captivity. These river roamers’ lifespan depends on various factors, including climatic conditions, food resources, habitat quality, disease, and social life. Deforestation, development, and agricultural activities also pose significant threats to their habitat and, consequently, their longevity.

The oldest recorded hippo was Bertha, who lived to be 65 years old before passing away in 2017. As of 2024, the oldest living hippo is Lu, also known as Lucifer, residing at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.

8: Hippos Can’t Swim

Despite their aquatic adaptation, hippos cannot swim in the traditional sense. Instead, they prefer to walk or stand on surfaces below the water, such as sandbanks or riverbeds. Their dense body structure and heavy bones prevent them from buoyantly swimming like other aquatic animals.

9: Hippos Make Their Own Sunscreen 

Hippos’ sweat acts as a sunscreen for their bodies, which is one of the fascinating hippo facts. The sweat they produce contains red pigments, which are antibiotics, and orange pigments, protecting them from UV rays. This unique secretion helps protect their skin from damage caused by sun exposure. 

The secretion from the pores on their bodies is clearly visible and helps them cool down in hot temperatures. Due to the absence of hairs on the hippos’ skin, there is a higher risk of sunburn. Therefore, the sweat of hippos serves as a natural sunscreen for their bodies, protecting their skin from damage.

10: Hippos Mate in the Water 

Spending most of their time underwater, hippos engage in mating rituals primarily in water. Female hippos reach sexual maturity at around 7 or 8 years of age. During mating, male hippos exhibit dominant behavior, often asserting their control in the water. Female hippos periodically surface for air during these encounters, resuming the mating process afterward. 

Conclusion

The aforementioned hippo facts underscore various behaviors and characteristics that make these creatures truly remarkable. From their imposing size to their semi-aquatic lifestyle, herbivorous diet, and unique mating process, these facts illuminate the adaptations that set hippos apart as fascinating and distinctive animals.

FAQs

What are 5 interesting facts about hippos?

The five interesting facts about hippos are:
1. The hippopotamus ranks third among land mammals in size
2. Hippos are both amphibious and herbivorous animals!
3. A hippo’s gestation period is 243 days, almost 8 months.
4. There are two known species of hippopotamus.
5. They can eat roughly 80 pounds of grass each night daily.

How long is a hippo’s gestation period?

A hippo’s gestation period usually lasts around 243 days, but it can vary between 237 and 252 days, depending on individual hippos.

How much grass does a hippo eat per day?

Having a primary diet of grass, hippos can consume 80 pounds of grass per day.

How many minutes can hippo hold their breath?

A hippo can hold its breath underwater for up to 5 minutes.

How long do hippos live in the wild?

Hippos can live around 40 in the wild and 50 years in captivity. Their lifespan is influenced by environmental factors such as climate, availability of food, and threats from predators.

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