River hippopotamus
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Hippopotamus amphibius
Huge mouth
Measuring nearly two feet across, a big mouth is needed to help satisfy this two-ton animal's appetite.
Pink sweat
Glands in the hippo's skin secrete a pinkish-colored "sunscreen" to protect them from burning and water loss.
Habitat/Range
Rivers, lakes, and streams of central and southeast Africa
Wild Diet
Grasses and Aquatic vegetation
Predators
Hyenas (calves), Lions (calves), Leopards (calves), Crocodiles (calves), and Humans (adults)
Reproduction
Calves are born in the water and must go immediately to the surface to breathe. Calves nurse underwater.
Conservation
DECLINING
Not yet endangered. Populations are declining due to habitat loss and they are hunted for their ivory teeth which are used for carvings.
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