Hippopotamidae Archives

Hippopotamidae - Hippopotamuses

There are two living species and one extinct species in this family. They are found in lakes, swamps, and rivers in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Hippos have large heads, large, round bodies, small ears, and short tails. They have thick, gray skin lightly covered in hair and short, stumpy legs. Their ears, eyes, and nose are on the top of their heads.

This lets the hippo submerge most of its body in water and keep its nose and eyes above the water line so it can breathe and keep an eye out for danger.

The hippo lives in herds of up to 40 individuals. It spends most of the day in the water. At night, it emerges from the water to graze on vegetation.

Pygmy Hippopotamus
(Choeropsis liberiensis)

The pygmy hippopotamus is found in Liberia, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. IUCN Redlist Status: Endangered
Pygmy Hippopotamus
(Choeropsis liberiensis)

The pygmy hippopotamus is much smaller than the hippopotamus. Its eyes are also not quite as far on the side of its head as those of the hippopotamus. IUCN Redlist Status: Endangered
Pygmy Hippopotamus
(Choeropsis liberiensis)

The pygmy hippopotamus is usually solitary but can sometimes be found in small family groups. IUCN Redlist Status: Endangered
Hippopotamus
(Hippopotamus amphibius)

Hippopotamuses are found across Sub-Saharan Africa. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
Hippopotamus
(Hippopotamus amphibius)

The name hippopotamus comes from the Greek word meaning "river or water horse." They are very graceful under water! IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
Hippopotamus
(Hippopotamus amphibius)

The hippopotamus is the third-largest living land mammal, after elephants and white rhinos. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
Hippopotamus
(Hippopotamus amphibius)

Hippos spend most of their time in the water with only their eyes and nostrils exposed. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
Hippopotamus
(Hippopotamus amphibius)

Hippos can stay underwater for up to 5 to 6 minutes. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable