Hippopotamidae

Hippopotamus amphibius Linn at Ghar Dalam, Malta

Cladogram of Cetacea within Artiodactyla (Camelus bactrianus)

Recherches pour servir à l'histoire naturelle des mammifères (Pl. 80) (white background)

Walia ibex illustration white background

Voyage en Abyssinie Plate 2 (white background)

Hippopotamidae is a family of large, herbivorous mammals known commonly as hippopotamuses or hippos. The family is part of the order Artiodactyla, which includes even-toed ungulates such as cattle, pigs, and deer. Hippopotamidae consists of two extant species: the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), which inhabits rivers, lakes, and mangrove swamps across sub-Saharan Africa; and the smaller, pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis), which is native to the forested and swampy areas in West Africa.

Description

Hippopotamuses are well-known for their large, barrel-shaped bodies, wide-opening mouths revealing large canine tusks, nearly hairless skin, and short legs. The common hippopotamus is the third-largest living land mammal, after elephants and white rhinos. Despite their stocky shape and short legs, hippos can run fast and are agile in water. Their eyes, ears, and nostrils are located high on their heads, allowing them to breathe and look around while mostly submerged in water.

Habitat and Behavior

Hippopotamuses spend a large portion of their time in water to keep their massive bodies cool under the hot African sun. They are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for up to five minutes. At dusk, they leave the water to graze on grasses, traveling several kilometers in a single night. Despite their peaceful appearance, hippos are considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, showing high levels of aggression towards humans and other animals, especially if they feel threatened.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Female hippos reach sexual maturity at five to six years of age and give birth to a single calf after an eight-month gestation period. Births can occur in water or on land. Calves are nursed for up to a year but can start eating grass as early as three weeks. Hippos can live for up to 40-50 years in the wild, though their lifespan is generally shorter in captivity due to various health issues.

Conservation Status

The common hippopotamus is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with populations declining due to habitat loss, illegal hunting for their meat and ivory (found in their teeth), and conflicts with humans. The pygmy hippopotamus is even more at risk and is classified as Endangered. Conservation efforts are in place to protect their habitats and regulate hunting.

Relationship with Humans

Historically, hippos have played a significant role in the culture and mythology of African societies. However, their tendency to destroy crops and their aggressive nature when encountering humans have led to conflicts. Efforts to mitigate human-hippo conflicts include the creation of protected areas where hippos can live undisturbed and community-based programs to promote coexistence.