Hippopotamus

Hippopotamus amphibius

The heaviest land mammal after the elephants, the Hippopotamus feeds by plucking grass with its wide muscular lips. Hippos spend much time underwater, coming ashore to feed at night. They spend the day digesting and socializing in the water. Hippos form dense groups, especially during the dry season when waters recede. Herd members often lie in contact with one another. Males compete for females and their tusks can inflict terrible wounds.

Look For : A thick-skinned animal with a huge rotund body on stubby legs and an enormously wide snout. Smooth, purple-brown skin is pink in creases and underparts. Feet have 4 webbed toes. Can open mouth very wide.

Length : Body 11'-12'4" long, tail 14" long; height 4'4"-5'6"; 1,440-7,000 lb.

Habitat : A deep body of water near grassland.

Range : Africa, south of the Sahara, in rivers, lakes, and swamps; common only in protected areas.