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Common Hippopotamus — printable fact sheet
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Common Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus amphibius
The common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is a large, mostly herbivorous mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. Weighing between 1,500 and 3,200 kilograms, males are significantly larger than females. This species is uniquely adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle, spending mu…
Did you know?
- A hippopotamus can open its mouth up to 150 degrees, revealing tusks that can grow over 50 cm (20 inches) long.
- Hippos are considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, responsible for more human fatalities than lions or elephants. Their powerful jaws can open up to 150 degrees and exert a force of over 1,800 psi, capable of crushing a crocodile. Interestingly, hippos are more closely related to whales and dolphins than to other terrestrial mammals, having diverged from a common ancestor around 55 million years ago. Contrary to their reputation as vegetarians, hippos have been observed scavenging meat and even engaging in cannibalism under certain circumstances, possibly due to nutritional stress or territorial disputes.
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