Hippos, or Hippopotamuses, are among the most intriguing and massive creatures that roam our planet. Despite their common association with leisurely lounging in water bodies under the African sun, these giants harbor a multitude of fascinating characteristics and behaviors.
This article seeks to delve into the lesser-known facets of hippos, shedding light on their unique features, lifestyle, and interaction with their environment and other species.
From their surprisingly agile movements to their critical role in their ecosystem, we uncover 12 compelling facts about these magnificent animals.
Hippos Facts
1. Hippos Excrete Pink Sweat That Acts as a Natural Sunscreen
Contrary to popular belief, the so-called ‘sweat’ that hippos secrete is not actual sweat but a natural substance that provides significant benefits.
This reddish fluid serves two primary functions: it acts as a sunscreen, protecting the hippo’s sensitive skin from the harsh sun, and it has antibacterial properties, keeping wounds clean and preventing infection.
Researchers continue to study this unique fluid, hoping to replicate its properties for human benefits.
2. Despite Their Size, Hippos Can Run Faster Than Humans
One of the most surprising facts about hippos is their speed on land. Despite their bulky size, which can exceed 3,000 pounds, hippos can run at speeds of up to 30 kilometers (about 19 miles) per hour over short distances.
This agility is particularly noteworthy considering their squat legs and massive bodies.
It’s a crucial adaptation that allows them to quickly escape threats and also makes them one of the most dangerous animals in Africa to humans on land.
3. Hippos Are Considered One of the Most Aggressive Animals in the World
Hippos have a reputation for being gentle giants due to their slow-moving nature in water; however, they are among the most aggressive wild animals.
They are highly territorial, especially when in water, and females can become exceedingly protective of their young. This aggression is not limited to threats posed by crocodiles or lions; hippos have been known to capsize boats, leading to human fatalities.
Their sizable jaws, which can open nearly 180 degrees, are equipped with large canines used effectively as weapons against intruders.
4. The Hippo’s Yawn Is Actually a Sign of Aggression
To the uninitiated, a yawning hippo might seem like it’s simply tired or relaxing, but in the hippo world, this action has a more threatening connotation. When a hippo opens its mouth wide, it’s often a display of dominance or a warning signal to others.
This “yawn” showcases its large, sharp teeth and massive jaw, serving as a deterrent to would-be competitors or threats. It’s an essential component of the hippo’s body language, communicating power and control within their social structure.
5. Hippos Are Predominantly Nocturnal Feeders
Hippos are primarily nocturnal when it comes to their feeding habits. They leave the water at dusk, traveling up to 8 kilometers (5 miles) in a night to graze on grasses. This nightly journey is essential, as a single hippo can consume approximately 40 kilograms (about 88 pounds) of grass in one evening.
These feeding habits minimize disturbance during the hottest part of the day, allowing hippos to conserve energy and keep cool.
6. Hippo Babies Are Born Underwater
The birth process of hippos is as fascinating as the creatures themselves. Females give birth to their calves in water, providing a soft landing and protection from predators at such a vulnerable time.
Within minutes of being born, the calf must swim to the surface to take its first breath, showing the remarkable instinctual behaviors of these mammals from the moment of birth.
This aquatic beginning is crucial, as it immediately links the calf to the watery environment that will be its home and refuge.
7. Hippos Have Few Natural Predators But Play a Key Role in Their Ecosystem
Adult hippos have few natural predators due to their size, aggression, and the protective groups they form. However, they play a significant role in their ecosystem through their feeding habits.
As they consume large amounts of grass and travel between feeding sites and water, they help to fertilize the land, spreading seeds and nutrients through their dung.
Moreover, their paths through vegetation create passageways for other animals, enhancing the ecological richness of their habitats.
8. Hippos Spend Up to 16 Hours a Day Submerged in Water to Keep Their Body Temperature Regulated
Hippos are well adapted to life in water, spending a significant portion of their time submerged to stay cool under the hot African sun. Their bodies are specifically designed for a semi-aquatic lifestyle, with eyes, nostrils, and ears positioned on top of their head, allowing them to see, breathe, and listen while mostly underwater.
This adaptation is crucial for maintaining body temperature and avoiding overheating.
The water also supports their massive weight, alleviating pressure on their joints and making movement easier.
9. The Closest Living Relatives to Hippos Are Whales and Dolphins
Despite their terrestrial appearance and habitat, hippos share a closer genetic link to aquatic mammals like whales and dolphins than to any land mammal. This surprising connection dates back to a common ancestor shared millions of years ago, before the evolutionary path diverged.
10. Hippos Communicate Through Vocalizations and ‘Submarine’ Sounds
Communication among hippos is sophisticated, involving a range of sounds from grunts and bellows on land to unique ‘submarine’ vocalizations underwater. These sounds play a crucial role in maintaining the social hierarchy, signaling distress, or coordinating group movements.
The ability to communicate beneath the water’s surface is particularly beneficial in maintaining connections and asserting territorial claims without needing to surface, demonstrating a unique adaptation to their aquatic lifestyle.
11. A Group of Hippos is Called a ‘Bloat’
The social structure of hippos is fascinating and complex, with groups typically comprised of one dominant male, several females, and their offspring.
Such a group is aptly named a “bloat,” reflecting the common sight of these large animals clustered together, partially submerged in water.
These groups are essential for protection against predators and for the social development of young hippos. Within a bloat, there is a hierarchy that dictates access to the best resting spots and priority during conflicts.
12. Hippos Have a Lifespan of About 40 to 50 Years in the Wild
Hippos are long-lived mammals, with life spans in the wild averaging between 40 to 50 years. Factors that contribute to their longevity include the lack of natural predators and their social structure, which provides protection and support within the group.
In captivity, with the absence of predation and with veterinary care, hippos can live even longer, offering researchers valuable insight into their behavior, physiology, and social interactions over an extended period.
FAQs About Hippos
Are hippos herbivores or carnivores?
Hippos are primarily herbivores, focusing their diet on grasses. During their nocturnal feeding, they consume vast amounts of vegetation to maintain their massive size, despite their occasionally aggressive behavior and large teeth, which might suggest carnivorous tendencies to some.
How do hippos give birth?
Hippos give birth in water, providing a safe and buoyant environment for the newborn calf. This aquatic delivery helps protect the newborn from predators and allows the calf to adapt to its aquatic lifestyle from the moment of birth.
Can hippos swim?
Interestingly, despite spending much of their life in water, hippos do not swim in the traditional sense.
They propel themselves by pushing off from the bottom or walking on the riverbed, using their natural buoyancy and powerful legs to move gracefully through the water.
Why are hippos so dangerous to humans?
Hippos are considered dangerous due to their territorial nature and unpredictable behavior, especially when they feel threatened. Their speed on land and powerful jaws make them capable of causing serious injury or death, emphasizing the importance of caution and respect for these animals in their natural habitat.
How do hippos communicate with each other?
Hippos communicate using a range of sounds, including grunts, wheezes, and even low-frequency calls that can travel underwater.
These vocalizations serve various purposes, such as maintaining social bonds, signaling distress, or asserting dominance within their group.