It is one of the world’s heaviest terrestrial animals, second only in weight to elephants and some rhinos. The male are considerably bigger than the females of a similar age.
The color of hippopotamus amphibius brown to grey purple with pink underparts and creases, naked and smooth except for short bristles on head, back and tail.
The hippo has a thick layer of fat under its skin, Its hide is a deep purplish gray to blue black color. Pores in the skin give out an oily pink fluid known as ‘pink sweat’. This lubricates the skin.
The single living species, hippopotamus amphibius, occurred in modern times throughout Africa south of the Sahara in areas with suitable waterways, and down the Nile River to its delta.
Hippo feeds exclusively on grass and establish pear shaped territories fanning out from their pools. During their nocturnal excursions they form wide footpaths.
Hippos do not ruminate but they have a very slow rate of digestion and have evolved septa in the stomach and two accessory blind sacs that serve to direct and slow down the flow of food.
Hippos need water deep enough to cover them, within commuting distance of pasture. They must submerge because their skin, naked skin is vulnerable to overheating and dehydration.
Hippopotamus amphibius
