Hippopotamus amphibius
Although the Hippopotamus seldom needs any introduction, most people are entirely unaware of just how big these portly animals are. Bulls can reach 1.7m high at the shoulder and weigh as much as 3,200kg (though usually around 2 tons), while cows are smaller, reaching weights of 1,700kg.
Hippopotamus require deep, permanent pools in slow-flowing rivers, dams and lakes, usually with exposed banks and islands and easy access to grazing grounds. They consume 100kg or more of fodder daily, consisting mostly of grass but will also feed on fruits, reeds and other waterplants. Areas subject to heavy grazing by Hippo take on a park-like appearance, with short “mown” lawns. They have been recorded taking carrion from carcasses. In times of drought hippos will travel up to 30km in a night to reach grazing, and will try to make do with any water or mudhole as protection from the sun.
Hippos live in herds consisting of a territorial bull, cows and calves, numbering from 2 to 200 (usually around 15). The territorial bull will tolerate other mature bulls in his area provided they act suitably submissively – if not, terrible fights will break out in which one or both combatants are often killed. Inside the group the cows also maintain a strict hierarchy. Territories are demarcated by dungpiles and scattering droppings on prominent bushes and rocks by flicking the tail. Hippos follow specific trails between their waterhole and feeding grounds, and is especially dangerous when encountered along these. In fact, Hippos are among the most dangerous of African animals and cause several human deaths annually. Instances have also been noted of Hippos killing (by drowning or biting) other herbivores or crocodiles which venture too close. They are surprisingly fast on land, capable of speeds in excess of 35km/h, and are just as fast in the water. Hippos are most active at night, preferring to spend the hot daylight hours lolling in the water or baking in the sun on a sandbank and then heading out to feed at dusk.
Most Hippo calves are born in the rainy season, when cows give birth to a single offspring after a gestation of about 8 months. The calves are usually born in reedbeds, where they remain hidden for a few weeks before being introduced to the herd as bulls are known to kill calves, even their own. Cows are incredibly protective of their young and nursing usually takes place in the water. Thanks to their large size and aggressive nature, few Hippos succumb to predator attacks, though lions, hyenas and crocodiles will attempt to catch calves given an opportunity. Drought and starvation are the biggest cause of natural deaths in Hippo populations. They have a life expectancy of up to 50 years in the wild.
Owing to a declining population due to poaching and loss of habitat, the IUCN considers the Hippopotamus to be “Vulnerable” and estimate that the total African population numbers between 125,000 and 148,000. It is estimated that there are at least 5,000 (and probably considerably more) Hippos in South Africa, where they now occur naturally only in the Lowveld of the Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces and the north of Kwazulu-Natal, although reintroductions have occurred outside these areas. Reliable places to see Hippos in South Africa are the Kruger National Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Pilanesberg National Park.
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Loved reading about hippos and love your photos 🙂
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Very kind of you, thanks Alba!
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Sjoe dis mooi Ek gaan nie sommer moeili8kheid soek met die spesie nie!
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Dis baie goeie raad, Tina – al lyk hulle koddig maak hulle korte mette met enige indringers.
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Pragtig uiteengesit en lieflike foto’s,Dries!
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Baie dankie, Dina!
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I have never seen such coverage of Hippos! Beautiful photos 🤘🤘
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Thanks – hope we did the hippos justice!
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Great pictures. Hippos certainly deserve to be treated with great respect. I recall a determined pursuit by an enraged one on Lake Malawi – fortunately the canoes had a good turn of speed. It was needed, and for some considerable distance!
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That must have been terrifying! In that situation I am sure a capsizing would have ended in tragedy.
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Pretty certain! The hippo wasn’t provoked in any way, but was certainly on the warpath.
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I don’t think they require much provocation!
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Lovely happy hippos, lovely pics!
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Thanks Jude!
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Sjoe. Pragtige reeks. Ek kan ook ure vir hierdie diere sit in kyk, niks soos water met diere!
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Die interaksie tussen die troplede is altyd interessant, ne Spokie?
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It’s amazing to think that they can run and swim so quickly. I also didn’t know they lived so long. The photo of them lying on the sandbank is quite something. They look so flat! 🙂
janet
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At a distance it is sometimes very hard to discern hippos from rocks on our river banks – even something as big as a hippo can be wonderfully camouflaged!
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This, along with many other of your ‘feature’ posts, was a very interesting read! Thank you so much for the many images and trivia. You’re producing some really really good work!
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As kind as always – thanks, Lisa! Glad to know you haven’t tired of our features on South Africa’s wildlife because there’s still lots to come.
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I really appreciated the photo of the hippo crossing the road… it showed such clear anatomy… it’s amazing that they can move fast….
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Seeing a hippo at speed is really something to behold, Lisa!
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I’m sure it is; a bitl ike watching an elephant take flight.. but the hippo can actually move fast – that’s the amazing part!
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House Hippo – YouTube, You must watch this Commercial! The Canadian House Hippo!
If Only they are like that, I’d want one ! 🙂
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Now that is a cute hippo! And it wouldn’t cost you a fortune to feed!
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He can eat hubbies toast crumbs! lol 🙂
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Wonderful photography… Thanks for all the information.. I had no idea hippos lived so long… I always tell my grandchildren that HIPPOPOTAMUS is my favorite word to say… Whoever named them had a great sense of humour…
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Thanks Maggie!
Credit for the name should go to the Greeks – directly translated, Hippopotamus means “River Horse”. There must have been some pretty fat horses in ancient Greece…
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I just love these ‘little guys.’ The babies are adorable. Bring on the hippo photos! 😀
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Glad I could brighten your day by showing you a bunch of “fatties”, Lois!
😀
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That sounds so cute! Yes, I love the fatties. 😀
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I’m sure the hippos would feel very unhappy at the insult though!
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our little secret about them….. 🙂
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