Hippos | Hippopotamidae

Hippos | Hippopotamidae

Description
Description

Hippos, belonging to the Hippopotamidae family, are large, semi-aquatic mammals indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa. Comprising two species: the common hippo and the smaller pygmy hippo, they primarily inhabit freshwater rivers, lakes, and swamps. With barrel-shaped bodies, short legs, and massive jaws, they're uniquely adapted to aquatic life, spending daylight hours submerged to stay cool and protect their skin. At dusk, they venture onto land, grazing on grass. Evolving around 55 million years ago in Asia, ancestors of today's hippos migrated to Africa. Ancient Egyptians revered hippos, associating them with the deity Taweret, while also recognizing their potential danger. These ancient behemoths inspire awe and respect.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Hippos, robust mammals of the Hippopotamidae family, possess stout, barrel-shaped bodies supported by short, sturdy legs, adept for both aquatic and terrestrial movement. Their massive heads house large, powerful jaws with elongated canine teeth, which can grow up to 20 inches. Adapted to their semi-aquatic lifestyle, their eyes, ears, and nostrils sit high on their head, allowing them to observe surroundings while mostly submerged. A thick, nearly hairless skin secretes a reddish fluid, often mistaken for blood, providing sun and infection protection. Their vocalizations range from grunts to loud bellows. While not renowned for speed, they're agile, especially when threatened, making them deceptively quick for their size.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Humans have a complex relationship with hippos. Historically revered in cultures like ancient Egypt, they've also been feared for their unpredictability and territorial nature, making them one of Africa's most dangerous animals. In pop culture, hippos are often depicted with a gentler demeanor, as seen in "Fantasia's" dancing hippos or the popular Christmas song, "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas."

However, human encroachment on their habitats, coupled with hunting for meat and ivory tusks, threatens their populations. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and anti-poaching initiatives. Educating local communities on coexistence is vital to ensure the safety of both humans and these majestic creatures.

Common Questions
Common Questions
Why are hippos scary?

It is funny how the hippo rarely appears in folklore and movies among scary animals, even with its bad rap of goring humans, overturning boats, and stomping out other animals. It is not only humans that are afraid of an adult hippo but even crocodiles. The hippo’s immense weight, tusk, aggressiveness, and unpredictable behavior make it unapproachable.

How long can a hippo hold its breath?

For an adult hippo, it is only five minutes that it can remain submerged without air and for a baby hippo, the maximum it can do is one minute. However, you will mostly see hippos in shallow areas in a lake or river where they can breathe freely. Besides, their large bodies enable them to walk on river beds, hence no need to hold their breath.

Which Egyptian god is a hippo?

The goddess Taweret, whom the Egyptians believed to be the holder of fertility and rejuvenation, is portrayed as a hippo. Her head is that of a hippo, face and tail crocodile, limbs feline, and the hair is human. Her fierceness is represented as that of a mother protecting her young from harm, a character the hippo also possesses.

Animals

* Under Development *

51”-83” | 1.3-2.1 m
39”-59” | 1-1.5 m
9.5’-16.5’ | 2.9-5.05 m
2,866-7,055 lb | 1,300-3,200 kg
36-50 years
Hippopotamus
210.000
150.000
505.000
3200.000
50.00
603000
GUIDE
3D
Hippopotamus
29.5”-39” | .75-1 m
22”-26” | .55-.65 m
59”-69” | 1.5-1.75 m
353-606 lb | 160-275 kg
30-50 years
Pygmy Hippopotamus
100.000
65.000
175.000
275.000
50.00
5350
GUIDE
3D
Pygmy Hippopotamus
Pygmy Hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis)
Scale illustration of an average Pygmy Hippopotamus compared to a human and a common hippo

The Pygmy Hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) shares a lot of similarities with its bigger cousin, the river hippo, such as mating and giving birth in water, semiaquatic behavior, and feeding on plant material. The pygmy hippo is nocturnal and almost half the size of the Nile hippopotamus. It is native to West Africa, especially in Liberian forests and swamps. It has four stubby legs, and each foot has four toes. The skin can be greenish-black or brown and like the common hippo, shade gray cream. Besides, it has narrow toes that are less webbed and less pronounced orbits and nostrils, making it more adaptable to terrestrial lifestyles.

Pygmy Hippopotamus' have a total body length between 59”-69” (1.5-1.75 m), standing shoulder height of 29.5”-39” (.75-1 m), and body width of 22”-26” (.55-.65 m). The typical weight of the Pygmy Hippopotamus is in the range of 353-606 lb (160-275 kg). Pygmy Hippopotamus' have lifespans between 30-50 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Pygmy Hippopotamus seen from the side and front
The Pygmy Hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) shares a lot of similarities with its bigger cousin, the river hippo, such as mating and giving birth in water, semiaquatic behavior, and feeding on plant material. The pygmy hippo is nocturnal and almost half the size of the Nile hippopotamus.

Pygmy Hippopotamus' have a total body length between 59”-69” (1.5-1.75 m), standing shoulder height of 29.5”-39” (.75-1 m), and body width of 22”-26” (.55-.65 m). The typical weight of the Pygmy Hippopotamus is in the range of 353-606 lb (160-275 kg). Pygmy Hippopotamus' have lifespans between 30-50 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Pygmy Hippopotamus seen from the side and front
Pygmy Hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis)
Height:
29.5”-39” | .75-1 m
Width:
22”-26” | .55-.65 m
Length:
59”-69” | 1.5-1.75 m
Depth:
Weight:
353-606 lb | 160-275 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Choeropsis liberiensis
Lifespan
30-50 years

Drawings include:

Pygmy Hippopotamus side elevation, front, back, lying down

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Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Hippopotamus compared to a human and pygmy hippo

Always in a bad mood, and loving water, the Hippo or Hippopotamus amphibius, is among the most dangerous land animals local to sub-Saharan Africa. It is also called the common hippopotamus or river hippopotamus. It is large with a pig-like profile, loves to show its large canine task, and opens the mouth extra-wide. Besides, it has pillar-like legs and a hairless body. The hippo is an herbivore, grassing at night and remaining submerged in water during the day. Females give birth to one calve every two years. Males are larger than females and very territorial and prefer to be in groups when basking but solitary when grazing.

Hippopotamus' have a total body length between 9.5’-16.5’ (2.9-5.05 m), standing shoulder height of 51”-83” (1.3-2.1 m), and body width of 39”-59” (1-1.5 m). The typical weight of the Hippopotamus is in the range of 2,866-7,055 lb (1,300-3,200 kg). Hippopotamus' have lifespans between 36-50 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Hippopotamus viewed from the front and side
Always in a bad mood, and loving water, the Hippo or Hippopotamus amphibius, is among the most dangerous land animals local to sub-Saharan Africa. It is also called the common hippopotamus or river hippopotamus. It is large with a pig-like profile and loves to show its large canine task.

Hippopotamus' have a total body length between 9.5’-16.5’ (2.9-5.05 m), standing shoulder height of 51”-83” (1.3-2.1 m), and body width of 39”-59” (1-1.5 m). The typical weight of the Hippopotamus is in the range of 2,866-7,055 lb (1,300-3,200 kg). Hippopotamus' have lifespans between 36-50 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Hippopotamus viewed from the front and side
Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)
Height:
51”-83” | 1.3-2.1 m
Width:
39”-59” | 1-1.5 m
Length:
9.5’-16.5’ | 2.9-5.05 m
Depth:
Weight:
2,866-7,055 lb | 1,300-3,200 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Hippopotamus amphibius
Lifespan
36-50 years

Drawings include:

Hippopotamus side elevation, front, back, lying down

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads