Why are Hippos so Big? Why do Hippos have Big Teeth? How Fast Can Hippos Run? Hippopotamus Habitat — Where does Hippopotamus Live? Hippopotamus Food — Are Hippos Omnivores? Do Hippos Eat People? Hippopotamus Adaptation — How does a Hippo Survive? What do Hippos Eat in the Zoo for Survival? Hippopotamus Colombia — Who brought Hippos to Colombia? Do Hippos Eat Meat?
What Animals does Hippo Eat? Are Hippos Dangerous? How does a Hippo Kill You? Why are Hippos Endangered? Are they Herbivore or Cannibal? Hippos need a permanent water source and sufficient grass to survive. Water helps these animals regulate their body temperature and protects them from scalding sunburns, so they never wander far from a water hole, lake, river, or swamp. They pull up plants with their strong lips rather than with their teeth.
On very rare occasions, hippos have been spotted killing and eating wildebeest and antelopes such as impalas , or scavenging the corpses of other hippos. Mating occurs during the dry season and usually takes place in the water. Females breed with territorial males and may visit two or more different territories over the course of their two- to three-day estrus period.
After a day gestation, a mother gives birth in the water to a relatively tiny calf, weighing between 50 and pounds 25 to 45 kg.
The mother will attack any other hippo, including a territorial male, that approaches. After this bonding period, the mother begins to graze on the bank during the day. When the calf is a few weeks old, it begins to go with its mother to the grazing grounds at night. There, the calf hides under a bush while she eats.
Weaning occurs when the calf is about six or eight months old. Females give birth to calves about once every two or three years. Calves and their mothers remain close even after the birth of younger siblings.
Scientists have seen mothers with as many as three calves of various ages trailing behind them. The youngest calf is always closest to the mother, while the eldest brings up the rear. Both males and females typically become sexually mature at around seven years of age, though females occasionally mature much earlier.
Hippo poop adds terrestrial nutrients to lakes and rivers. It likely acts as fertilizer and may be an important food source for aquatic animals, such as fish.
Hippos also have been observed rescuing antelopes from drowning by pushing them up onto banks and intervening to save them from crocodiles. Ambitious prides of lions occasionally hunt and kill a hippo, and a crocodile may sometimes eat a hippo calf, but grown hippos seem unfazed by crocodiles.
Although hippos have a reputation for being one of the deadliest animals for humans in Africa, humans and hippos typically coexist peacefully unless crops are involved.
Hippos are inveterate crop raiders and are only slightly discouraged by chain-link or electric fences. So, there you have it — The sound of a hippopotamus is more interesting than you may have assumed!
There are plenty of hippo facts out there. From their deceptively fast running speed to their surprisingly dangerous nature. But their wonderfully complex vocalizations might just be the most interesting thing about them. Their booming chatter is a common sound in the African bush, and one that many consider music to the ears. Africa Freak founder. Nature lover. Loves to travel, discover new horizons and meet people. Curious by nature.
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