River Hippo

Hippopotamus or hippos are usually very large mammals found in sub-Saharan Africa. They are the fourth largest mammals after the whale, elephant and the White rhinoceros. The word hippo comes from the ancient Greek meaning 'river horse'. They have another sub species known as the Pygmy Hippopotamus. The animals are generally semi-aquatic and they live in lakes, swamps and big rivers. During the day they cool their bodies by staying above water in the mud. At dusk they emerge to graze on grass and other vegetation.

Hippopotamus are generally solitary animals during grazing and they sometimes stray on agricultural lands. They are known to destroy crops at night and are so aggressive, they even attack humans. A territorial bull can take up to 20 females. Reproduction and childbirth occur in the water. The average weight of a male hippo ranges between 1,500 to 1,800 kg. That of a female is between 1,300 to 1,500kg. Males can even get larger to 3,200kgs. The animals measure between 3.3 to 5.2 metres long and have a height of around 1.5 metres.

Hippopotamus have a running speed varying from 30km/h to 50 km/h. They have a lifespan of between 40 to 50 years. The oldest one that ever lived was from Munich, Germany and died in 1995 at the age of 61. The animal has a funny look where the eyes and the nostrils are located on the upper part of the skull. This ensures that they are in water while their bodies are submerged in mud to prevent them from sunburn. Hippos can be seen in many parts of the Eastern Africa like Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Dickson is the Chief Tour Guide and one of the Directors of Adventure Africa Expedition, he has traveled in many countries in Africa where he built the spirit of adventure and discovered nature hidden wonders in especially tailored walking trails like in Kisoro in Rwanda and Bwindi in Uganda both for Gorilla tracking.


Chobe River Hippo Chase at Real Speed

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5024701