There has been an increasing reduction in access to fresh water across Africa, leading to a serious decline in hippo range and population.

Unfortunately, Hippopotami have been eradicated in the vast majority of their former range. They are commonly found in savannas and forests, but their range has been severely reduced. As long as they can submerge themselves and graze nearby, they can survive in an ecosystem. Hippos can live in virtually any habitat with access to water and grass. This is a territorial display, warning others to “stay out of my river.” Hippos yawn to expose their massive jaws and long teeth. Sleepy? Or Sassy? – Unlike humans, when hippos yawn it is not a sign of boredom or exhaustion.This is completely subconscious, which means that hippos will surface to breathe even while they are still asleep! They can hold their breath for seven minutes, but usually surface to breathe every three minutes or so. Swimming and Surfacing – Even though hippos spend much of their time in the water, they are still mammals and must breathe air.Basically, they ooze their own antibacterial sunscreen. These secretions contain pigments that prevent bacterial growth and absorb ultraviolet light. Built-in Sunscreen – If you grazed under the beating sun for long periods, you would probably need some sunscreen right? Luckily for hippos, they produce their own! Hippos secrete a substance sometimes called blood sweat, even though it is neither blood nor sweat.As surprising as this may seem, hippos are not very good swimmers! They have webbed feet, but mainly walk or bound along the river bottom. Instead, hippos prefer shallow lakes and rivers. They spend most of their time in the water, but not large, deep bodies of water. Wade and Wallow – Hippos are not seafaring creatures.They are perfectly built for survival in their aquatic African habitats, and are highly specialized creatures. Hippopotami (plural for hippopotamus) are simply brimming with amazing adaptations. They also sport incisor teeth that can grow to over a foot long! Interesting Facts About the Hippopotamus They also sport a huge pair of jaws, which can open an impressive 180º wide. Because they are mostly aquatic they don’t need long legs to support their weight. Despite their weight, they have quite short legs with webbed toes.

Hipo potamus