The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is a massive semi-aquatic mammal weighing up to around 2.5 tonnes. It spends the day submerged in the Kruger's rivers and pools, then leaves the water at dusk to graze on land. Despite its bulk it is fast and aggressive, and is Africa's most dangerous large land mammal.
Name
Hippo [Hippopotamus amphibious]
Appearance
The Hippo is a massive semi aquatic mammal that has a muddy brown colour with purple hues. This massive animal weighs up to 2.5 tonnes and measures up to 1 500 at the shoulder. This animal can reach lengths of up to 5m. Their Eyes and nostrils are protruded, which allows the animal to see and breathe while submerged.
The hippo’s most iconic feature are their large tusks. The hippo’s jaw is so powerful and their teeth are so sharp that they can bite through a medium sized crocodile, tearing it in half.
Diet
The Hippo is strictly a vegetarian. These animals require a lot of energy and must feed on a very energy rich food source. Hippo’s diet mainly consists of grass, of which they consume 68kg of it each night. Hippos leave the water at dusk and can travel up to 7km inland to graze on grass.
Breeding
Hippo mating is a rather strange affair. It takes place in deeper water so the bull is buoyant enough that it cannot hurt the cow with its big size and weight. A Hippo’s hind legs are not strong enough to support their weight. Males during this period become very aggressive and will lash out at any bull, even the cornered cow’s young.
Behaviour
Hippos are found in collective groups known as rafts, which contains one male and many females and their young. Dominant Hippo males are very territorial but will occasionally allow other males into the raft as long as they are submissive and have no interest in the females.
Hippos sleep during the day, either next to the water or in it, and leave the water to graze at night. Hippos will attack violently when injured or irritated. The Hippo is responsible for the most human casualties and injuries and is the most dangerous mammal in South Africa. Hippos are common animals but can be dangerous when on a Kruger Park Safari.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do hippos eat?
Hippos are grazers with a vegetarian diet built almost entirely around grass. They rest in water by day and leave at dusk, travelling up to about 7 km inland to feed, cropping roughly 68 kg of grass in a night before returning to the water before the day's heat returns.
Why are hippos considered so dangerous?
Hippos are responsible for more human deaths than any other large mammal in Africa. They are extremely territorial in the water and will attack people or boats that block their path back to it. On land, a surprised or cornered hippo can charge at speed, and its enormous jaws and tusks inflict severe injuries.
Where can you see hippos in the Kruger?
Hippos live in the Kruger's permanent rivers, dams and larger waterholes, resting in pods called rafts. Bridges and lookouts over the Sabie, Crocodile and Olifants rivers are reliable spots. By day you usually see eyes, ears and nostrils above the surface; at dusk they haul out to graze on the banks.
How long can a hippo stay underwater?
Hippos are superbly adapted to water: their eyes, ears and nostrils sit high on the head so they can see, hear and breathe while almost submerged. They can hold their breath for several minutes and even walk along the riverbed, automatically closing their nostrils and ears when they go under.
