Hippos
One of the largest African mammals is the hippopotamus, also known as the Nile hippopotamus, which, after the elephant, is among the heaviest land mammals on the African continent.
Habitat
The preferred habitat of hippopotamuses are flowing and standing bodies of water, near which they predominantly reside. There are different species of hippopotamuses, many of which are now extinct. Particularly well-known are the pygmy hippopotamuses, which are far smaller in stature and size than a common hippopotamus. The closest relatives of hippopotamuses are not horses, as their name might suggest, but whales, from which they evolved hundreds of thousands of years ago. Unfortunately, common hippopotamuses are an endangered species, as their population, which stands at 125,000 to approximately 150,000 animals, is steadily declining.
Diet
Where do hippopotamuses in Africa most commonly live? As mentioned above, the animals prefer areas near bodies of water, where they can find food and protect themselves from the African temperatures. Today, hippopotamuses are found only south of the Sahara, with their range extending across 19 countries. The main diet of these animals consists of reeds and other aquatic plants, which hippopotamuses graze on. These plants are found both underwater and above the water's surface.
Social Behavior
The social behavior of these animals can vary greatly. Many individuals live alone in a fixed territory, which they also defend against rivals. Other hippopotamuses have formed groups, which is particularly beneficial for females with young, as it allows them to better protect their offspring. Hippopotamuses themselves have no natural enemies in the animal kingdom of Africa, so the decline in population can only be attributed to human hunting. Hippopotamuses have long been—and still are—sought after for their ivory tusks. To protect the animals, many have been relocated to African national parks, where strict species protection is enforced.
