Fact About Hippopotamus

10 Fact About Hippopotamus

1. Where does the name Hippopotamus originate from? 

The name Hippopotamus has been derived from the ancient Greek language. Hippopotamus in ancient Greek means a “River Horse.” It is often shortened and is simply called a “Hippo.” 

2. What does a Hippopotamus usually eat? 

Hippos are mainly herbivores meaning that they only consume plants and plant related materials. They usually graze while on land but are not known to eat anything while in the water. 

3. How much do Hippos weigh? 

Hippos are considered to be the 3rd largest mammals living on land after the Elephants and Rhinos. Adult Hippos on an average can weigh up to 1500 Kg and despite its weight and short legs they can run up to 30 Km/h. 

4. How many species of Hippopotamus are there in the world? 

There are 5 species of Hippopotamus in the world. The Great Northern Hippopotamus or Nile Hippopotamus, East African Hippopotamus, West African Hippopotamus, Angola Hippopotamus and the Cape Hippopotamus or the South African Hippopotamus. 

5. Hippos are not very social! Although Hippos usually lie around close to each other they do not actually seem to form social bonds except between mothers and daughters. The reason why they lie around so close to each other most of the time is unknown. 

6. Hippos can’t swim or float! Though hippos are found in water-bodies quite often they do not actually know how to swim or float. They stand or walk on the surface below the water. They spend most of their time in water to protect their sensitive skin from the sun. 

7. Hippos sweat blood! Hippos naturally secrete a red oily substance from their skin which acts as a moisturizer and sunscreen for them. This red oily substance almost looks like blood and thus the myth that Hippos secrete blood when they sweat prevails. 

8. Hippos can hold their breath for about 7 minutes! Adult Hippos are capable of holding their breath for approximately 7 minutes while underwater. However, they resurface after every 3 to 5 minutes to breathe air. This is an automatic process they resurface even when they are asleep! 

9. Hippos yawn to warn! You will only see a Hippo yawn in water because Hippos are territorial only in water and they yawn to warn the intruders that they are close to their territory. Hippos are also seen grunting and honking to mark their territories. 

10.Crocodiles are the main rivals of Hippos Hippos coexist with a variety of predators like the Lions and Spotted Hyenas. However the predators that live the closest to their abode is a Crocodile making them their natural enemies. Crocodiles are known to prey on young Hippos. And that is why most frequent targets of Hippo aggression are crocodiles.