Hippopotamus

Afrikaans name: Seekoei

Hippo

Photo © Steven Herbert

Hippopotamus amphibius

Interesting facts about Hippos

Apparently their name originates from the Greek word for 'river horse' (I don't see the resemblance between a horse and a hippo)

Hippos are most often seen in or very near water during the day. At night they come out the water to graze and will travel quite long distances to find food.

Hippos occupy permanent water sources such as dams, rivers and larger water holes.

Dominant bulls form territories where they keep a small to large group of females. They will defend their territory aggressively and may even challenge boats entering their space.

Hippo are well-known as being aggressive, particularly when they are out of the water. It is not a good idea to get between a Hippo and the water!

Male Hippos can weigh around 2,000 kg with the average being 1,500 kg. Females weigh around 1,300 kg.

Photo © Steven Herbert

Photo © Steven Herbert

Above and below - Adult male Hippos have enormous power and are not scared to use it on rival males, boats, people and other objects that infringe on their territories. Here young hippos indulge in play-fighting which they will put to more serious use later in life.

Photo © Steven Herbert

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References and further reading

African Wildlife - A photographic safari - Author: Nigel and Wendy Dennis - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 34

An Introduction to the Larger Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Joanna Dalton - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 181

Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 10

Chris and Tilde Stuart's Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 1988 - Page: 178

Field Guide to the Cradle of Humankind - Author: B. Hilton-Barber & Prof. L. R. Berger - Year Published: 2004 - Page: 159

Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 1997 - Page: 90

Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 2001 - Page: 178

Field Guide to the Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. de V. Pienaar et al. - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 111

Kruger National Park Questions and Answers - Author: P.F. Fourie - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 173

Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 150

Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillier - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 81

Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Year Published: 1980 - Page: 80

Questions and Answers - Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Year Published: 1990 - Page: 2

Questions and Answers - Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Year Published: 1990 - Page: 13

Questions and Answers - Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Year Published: 1990 - Page: 24

Questions and Answers - Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Year Published: 1990 - Page: 27

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 369

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 414

Sasol First Field Guide to Animal Tracks of Southern Africa - Author: Louis Liebenberg - Year Published: 2003 - Page: 42

Signs of the Wild - 3rd Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 153

Signs of the Wild - 5th Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Year Published: 1996 - Page: 140

Village Life Issue 23 - Author: - Year Published: 2007 - Page: 28

Wild Issue 21 - Author: - Year Published: 2012 - Page: 48

Wild Issue 29 - Author: - Year Published: 2014 - Page: 64

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 220

List of South African Mammals