COMMON HIPPOS 

HIPPOPOTAMUS AMPHIBIUS 

Hippos are amphibious, spending their days in water – rivers, lakes, wetlands and muddy wallows – and emerging at sunset to feed. 

A hippo’s skin must remain moist, as it will crack if exposed to the air and sun for long periods. They secrete an oily red liquid from subdermal glands which is thought to function as a sunscreen, antibiotic and insect repellent.  

Fights for possession of a territory can be fierce and hippos may inflict considerable injuries with their huge canines, though minor conflicts are often settled by threat displays such as the "yawn". 

Hippos are sociable and live in herds ranging from the tens to a hundred. Females usually give birth to a single baby every other year and lactation can extend for 18 months or longer. 

*International Union for Conservation of Nature is the world’s main authority on the conservation status of species