The common hippo (Hippopotamus amphibian), or hippopotamus, is a large semiaquatic mammal, mostly herbivores, native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of the only two type of the Hippopotamidae family, the other is the Hippo Pigme (Choeropsis Liberiensis or Hexaprotodon Liberiensis). The name comes from the ancient Greek to “Horse of Rio ” (Ἱπποπόταμος). After the elephant and rhino, the common hippopotamus is the third largest type of terrestrial mammals and the heaviest of the artiodactyl. Despite its physical similarity with pigs and other terrestrial animals, the living relatives closest to the Hippopotamidae are cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises, etc.) of which diverged about 55 million years ago.
The common hippos are recognizable by their barrel-shaped torsos, large opening mouths revealing large canine prey, almost hairless bodies, columnar legs, and large size; Average adults 1,500 kg (3,310 lb) and 1,300 kg (2,870 lb) for males and females, respectively. Despite its sturdy shape and short legs, it is capable to run 30 km/h (19 mph) at short distances.
The common hippopotamus inhabits rivers, lakes, and mangroves, where the territorial bulls chair a stretch of river and groups of five to thirty females and young. During the day, they remain fresh while remaining in water or mud; Reproduction and childbirth occur in water. They emerge at dusk to graze on pastures. When the hippos rest near the other in the water, grazing is a solitary activity and the hippos are not territorial on Earth. The hippopotamus is one of the most dangerous animals in the world because it is highly aggressive and unpredictable. They are threatened by loss of habitat and poaching by their canine teeth of flesh and ivory.
