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Hippopotamus: Animals
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The hippopotamus is one of the most iconographic of the African savanna species. Their presence on the savanna immeasurably bolsters eco-tourism. In zoos, they help demonstrate the interdependency of all species. Breeding programs that maintain healthy captive animals are essential for the future of the species. Respect for traditional lifestyle and educational support empowers local populations to help save their ecosystem and the hippos dependent upon it.
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Explore the world of a hippopotamus with this striking book which looks at their life cycles, natural habitats, food chains and the threats that they face. Follow a hippopotamus calf as it takes its first steps on the African river bank. This work features an animal "map" on the opening page, an illustrated food chain and colour photographs.
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Despite the popular image of the animal being easygoing and peaceful, the hippopotamus is actually one of the most dangerous African animals, said to account for more human deaths than any other mammal. Its canine teeth are 50 cm (20 inches) long, and it uses its head as a battering ram. The animals stand 1.5 metres tall (5 feet) at the shoulder and weigh between 2,700 and 4,500 kg (6000-9900 lbs). They are approximately the same size as the Black Rhinoceros; one or the other is the next-largest land animal after the three species of elephants.
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The hippopotamus is a very large African animal. It has a blue-grey body with a pink underbelly, a large head, stumpy legs, and can weigh over 3 tonne! The males can weigh between 1600-3200 kgs (3600 - 7000 pounds), and the females between 650 - 2300 kgs (1400 - 5200 pounds).
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Common hippopotamus groups vary in size. In a large pool, a group could be as large as 60. Males are very territorial. Hippopotamus are very aggressive animals and easily enraged. They 'yawn' more and more as they get angrier, showing their big teeth.
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This well-formed statuette of a hippopotamus demonstrates the Egyptian artist's appreciation for the natural world. It was molded in faience, a ceramic material made of ground quartz. Beneath the blue-green glaze, the body was painted with the outlines of river plants, symbolizing the marshes in which the animal lived.
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