Ten Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Hippopotamuses

Published by chris dalyrules
February 19, 2009, Category: Zoology

Hippopotamuses kill the most humans in the wild, probably because of their ability to bite a human in two.

Hippapotamus kill the most humans in the wild. Probably because of their ability to bite a human in two. A thought I could probably bare without.( Escept mosquitos)
It is believed via rock painting in near the Sahara that humans were already hunting them around 4000-5000 years ago.
The late Steve Irwin believed that a five minute crossing a river with hippos, was the most dangerous “stunt” he ever filmed.
Hippotamus calves are born around 120cm long and can weigh between 20-45kg. Almost the same weight as me!!! While as the adults are almost 3m long.
A male hippapotamus can weigh between 1.6 – 3.2 tonnes, making it the 3rd biggest land mammal. To put 3.2 tonnes into perspective it is around the same as some trucks. The largest land mammal is unsurprisingly the elephant.
A hippatomus’ average life span is 45 years, though this increases to 49 in captivity.
When under water the hippapotamus sticks its ears and nose above the surface. This is to breathe while swimming. Very much like a snorkel.
A hippapotamus can stay under water for up to 5 minutes, without consuming any more air. Aka, holding its breath =)
Spotting a hippo, is now a rare occurance, this is because it is a prized animal. One reason is its thick hide. It also has ivory growing through out its life as its lower canines and incisors. Making it a target for illegal ivory collector. It is also killed for meat and hide, by Africans.
Finally, my last fact, I have chosen is that hippatomus like many other of the larger mammals are vegetarian mammals and not interested in meat. They are mainly aggressive, and kill, so as to protect their offspring. They are known to be aggressive towards Nile Crocodiles in the same stretch of water as them. Nile crocodiles are also known to eat and attack Hippo Calves.
Thank you for your time and feel free to point out any errors with my information. I found the base facts from Wikipedia, The B.B.C and enclopyedia2.