Hippopotamus

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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.

Hippo close-up
Hippo on land showing their short legs and portly body
Hippo showing enormous gape
Hippo posturing at the Balule causeway
Hippo posturing
Hippo posturing
Hippo eyeing us from the Sabie River
Hippo pod (Photo by Joubert)

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 lazing in the water
Hippo hiding in the shade of a bush
Young hippo looking for something to eat
Hippos from N’wamanzi Viewpoint
Pod of hippos in the bed of the Olifants
Mazithi Dam was little more than a drying mud puddle crammed with tired hippos and flayling barbel
Hippopotamus yawn
Hippo pod in the Pioneer Dam
Hippos at Nkakane
Hippo pod (Photo by Joubert)
Hippos
Just look at that tiny hippo baby!
Hippo in the dark, grazing past our camp

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.

It is unusual to find hippos moving around on land during daylight
What seems a lazy yawn may be a threat display
Hippos in a deep pool
Hippos
Hippos baking on a sandbank
Young hippo resting on an adult
Hippos lazing on a sandbank in the Nwaswitsontso River
The normal view of hippos, lazing in a pool of water on the Sweni River
Hippo encountered on a night drive from Olifants
Another pod of hippos at the Ngotso weir
Hippo antics at Nsemani Dam
Hippos at Lake Panic
Hippo highway leading from the water
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus

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.

Playful baby hippos
Playful hippos
Chubby hippo calf and mom
Baby hippo
Hippopotamus
Baby Hippo at Mestel Dam
Hippo gang at Sunset Dam
Hippo becoming a temporary island for Marsh and Serrated Hinged Terrapins

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.

Hippos
Pod of Hippos in Sunset Dam
Pod of hippos seen in the river from Crocodile Bridge
Hippopotamus in the rapids below the causeway
Hippos yawn as a threat

 

33 thoughts on “Hippopotamus”

  5. colonialist

    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!

    Liked by 1 person

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  8. sustainabilitea

    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

    Like

    Reply ↓
    1. de Wets Wild Post author

      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.

      Like

      Reply ↓
  11. Maggie

    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…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓
    1. de Wets Wild Post author

      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…

      Liked by 1 person

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