Hippos are large semi-aquatic mammals, with a large barrel-shaped body, small legs, a small tail, and a huge head! They have brown to muddy-brown skin, which grows down to pink color. They are considered to be the second-largest land animal on earth (the first place goes to the elephant!). Though they feed on land, hippos do many other activities in the water, including mating and birthing. Groups of 10–30 hippos live with a dominant male.During the dry season, dominant males choose a mate, and then the other males fight each other for the remaining females.
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Hippos may close their nostrils and ears to prevent water from entering. This is why hippo calves can suck on the ground or underwater. ... Hippo's closest living relatives are the whale and the porpoise! The hippopotamus is the third-largest land mammal after elephants and white rhinos.
Facts about the hippopotamus: -
1) They are considered the second-largest land animals on earth (the first place an elephant goes!). Males measure approximately 3.5 m long and 1.5 m tall and can weigh up to 3,200 kg. That's as much as three small cars!
2) To keep calm in the blistering African heat, hippos spend most of their day in rivers and lakes. Their eyes, nose, and ears are located at the top of their head, meaning that they can see and breathe while immersed in water. What's more, these super-cool creatures sweat an oily red liquid that helps protect their skin from drying out - and also acts as a sunblock; cool huh?
3) These magnificent mammals were found in all sub-Saharan Africa. Sadly, population loss has occurred due to habitat loss and poaching. Today, they are largely confined to protected areas in East African countries.
4) Hippos are most active at night when they make fodder for food. They are vegetarian, and mostly eat grass - and do they eat grass! In just one night, they can drop down to 35 kilograms of their favorite grub!
5) Despite its huge size, hippos are great swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for five minutes. When completely submerged, their ears and nostrils are closed to keep the water out.
6) Hippos usually live in groups of about ten to 20 individuals (or "herds") led by a large dominating male. Other members are women, their youth and some young non-breeding males.
Food:-
Hippos have a healthy and mostly vegetarian appetite. Adults eat around 80 lbs. (35 kg) grass each night, traveling up to 6 miles (10 kilometers) a night to maintain yourself. They also eat fruits found during their night scavengers, according to National Geographic.Hippo grade on the ground; They do not eat in water and are not known to graze on aquatic plants. They like short, creeping grass and small green shoots and reeds.
Despite their heavyweight, hippos eat an average of only 88 pounds (40 kg) of food a night. This amount is about 1 to 1.5 percent of their body weight. By comparison, the largest cattle account for 2.5 percent of their body weight each day.
Specialty: -
Hippos may close their nostrils and ears to prevent water from entering. This is why hippo calves can suck on the ground or underwater. ... Hippo's closest living relatives are the whale and the porpoise! The hippopotamus is the third-largest land mammal after elephants and white rhinos.
Facts about the hippopotamus: -
1) They are considered the second-largest land animals on earth (the first place an elephant goes!). Males measure approximately 3.5 m long and 1.5 m tall and can weigh up to 3,200 kg. That's as much as three small cars!
2) To keep calm in the blistering African heat, hippos spend most of their day in rivers and lakes. Their eyes, nose, and ears are located at the top of their head, meaning that they can see and breathe while immersed in water. What's more, these super-cool creatures sweat an oily red liquid that helps protect their skin from drying out - and also acts as a sunblock; cool huh?
3) These magnificent mammals were found in all sub-Saharan Africa. Sadly, population loss has occurred due to habitat loss and poaching. Today, they are largely confined to protected areas in East African countries.
4) Hippos are most active at night when they make fodder for food. They are vegetarian, and mostly eat grass - and do they eat grass! In just one night, they can drop down to 35 kilograms of their favorite grub!
5) Despite its huge size, hippos are great swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for five minutes. When completely submerged, their ears and nostrils are closed to keep the water out.
6) Hippos usually live in groups of about ten to 20 individuals (or "herds") led by a large dominating male. Other members are women, their youth and some young non-breeding males.
Food:-
Hippos have a healthy and mostly vegetarian appetite. Adults eat around 80 lbs. (35 kg) grass each night, traveling up to 6 miles (10 kilometers) a night to maintain yourself. They also eat fruits found during their night scavengers, according to National Geographic.Hippo grade on the ground; They do not eat in water and are not known to graze on aquatic plants. They like short, creeping grass and small green shoots and reeds.
Despite their heavyweight, hippos eat an average of only 88 pounds (40 kg) of food a night. This amount is about 1 to 1.5 percent of their body weight. By comparison, the largest cattle account for 2.5 percent of their body weight each day.
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