Hippopotamus Facts
Hippopotamus Facts
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Hippopotamuses (hippos) are third largest land mammals. They spend most of their life in rivers, lakes, or salty water near river mouths in Africa. These animals are famous for their bad temper. They are not afraid of humans and they will attack every person that enters their territory. Hippos are considered one of the most dangerous animals of Africa.
| Interesting Hippopotamus Facts: |
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| There are two types of hippos: common hippo and pygmy hippo. Common hippos are much larger animals. They can reach 12 feet in length and weigh up to 7000 pounds. Pygmy hippo can reach 5.7 feet in length and weigh up to 600 pounds. |
| Pygmy hippo is rare animals. |
| Hippos live in group that consists of 10-30 animals. Group is called herd, bloat or pod. |
| Hippos spend most of their time in water because they don't have sweat glands and that is the only way to prevent overheating. |
| They can see, smell and hear when they are in the water because their eyes, nostrils and ears are positioned on the upper surface of the head. |
| They have good eyesight, sense of smell and hearing. |
| When they dive, their ears and nostrils close automatically. |
| Their skin produces red oily substance that protects them from sunburn. |
| They are herbivores. They like to eat grass, fallen fruit, sugar cane and corn. |
| Even though they are massive, they can run faster than humans. |
| Hippos produce loud noise that sounds like lion's roar. |
| Closest relatives of hippo are whales and dolphins. |
| Their tusks-like teeth grow continuously. They are the main reason why poachers are killing hippos. |
| Pregnancy lasts 230 days. Only one baby will be born. Mother protects the baby against lions, leopards, crocodiles and male hippos. Babies drink milk one full year, but they will add grass to their diet few weeks after birth. |
| Hippos live up to 45 years in the wild. |
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