National Geographic Photographer & Filmmaker

Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)

The common hippopotamus is semiaquatic, inhabiting rivers, lakes and mangrove swamps, where territorial bulls preside over a stretch of river and groups of five to 30 females and young. During the day, they remain cool by staying in the water or mud; reproduction and childbirth both occur in water. They emerge at dusk to graze on grasses. While hippopotamuses rest near each other in the water, grazing is a solitary activity and hippos are not territorial on land.

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Filename: Hippopotamus splashing water in a threat display.jpg
Copyright: Shannon Wild
Image Size: 3882x2583 / 16.2MB; Africa Animal Animals Fauna Safari Shannon Benson Shannon Wild South Africa Wild Wildlife outdoors outside Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius Hippopotamus amphibius mammal hippo semiaquatic herbivorous river horse ungulate dominance display mouth open aggression aggressive teeth tusks warning thrash splash water territorial
Contained in galleries: WILDLIFE ARCHIVE

The common hippopotamus is semiaquatic, inhabiting rivers, lakes and mangrove swamps, where territorial bulls preside over a stretch of river and groups of five to 30 females and young. During the day, they remain cool by staying in the water or mud; reproduction and childbirth both occur in water. They emerge at dusk to graze on grasses. While hippopotamuses rest near each other in the water, grazing is a solitary activity and hippos are not territorial on land.