Species profile
About the common hippopotamus
Hippos are semi-aquatic but feed mainly on land. By day they crowd into rivers, pools and lakes to stay cool and protect their skin; after sunset they follow well-used paths to grazing grounds.
Boat safaris in Nyerere reveal their aquatic social life, while Serengeti pools and Katavi’s shrinking dry-season waterholes can hold extraordinary concentrations.
Life in the wild
Behavior & relationships
Behavior
Rests in water during the day and grazes on land at night. Territorial males defend sections of water with yawns, splashing and dung-scattering displays.
Social life
Daytime pods contain females, young and a territorial male, but feeding ashore is mostly solitary. Mothers are highly protective of calves.
What makes it remarkable
Special features
Eyes, ears and nostrils sit high on the head for near-total submersion. Skin produces a natural reddish protective secretion.
