Hippo-+McKay

= The Hippopotamus = = "Water or River Horse" =

Family: //Hippopotamidae//

Family Characteristics: The Animal family Hippopotamidae includes only two different of Hippos: the Common Hippopotamus (//Hippopotamus amphibius//), and the Pygmy Hippopotamus (//Hexaprotodon liberiensis//). Both Hippos can be spotted around large bodies of water. The Common Hippo lives in lakes and rivers along the Sahara Desert. THe Pygmy Hippo lives in the swapy forests of Western Africa. Hippos are large herbivores. They have a large head, and very strong jaw and mouth. They have thick gray skin, but can be easily sunburnt during the sorching summers.

Information: Both speicies of Hippos are found in South Africa, and Asia. Both speices are still not on the endarged list, but makes referred to as bulls are poached for their soft, ivory tusks.

Scientific Classification:
 * // Kingdom: Animalia //
 * // Phylum: Chordata //
 * // Class: Mammalia //
 * // Order: Artiodactyla //
 * // Family: Hippopotamus //
 * // Genus: Hippopotamus //
 * // Species: H. amphibius //

Movement: Even though the Hippo can weigh up to 1-3 tons, they can move surprisingly fast. Their huge bodies are carried by stocky, muscular legs which can help. They can run up to 30 mph when under stress or danger. If they are not running, you can mainly find them grazing and swimming in swampy cool areas.

Metabolism: Both species of Hippos are herbivores, which means they only and love to eat plants and grasses. Their keen senses such as their acute ears help them ear falling fruit from miles away. They can eat up to 45 kg per night. They can easily store up to two days worth of grass in their stomach, then go without eating for about three weeks if necessary! They have very strong teeth, and have a jaw that could almost snap anything in half.

Growth and Development: Most hippos, both male and female can weigh up to 1 1/2-3 tons. For a female to mature into an adult, it takes about 5-6 years. For a male, it takes about 7 years.

Responses and Adaptions: Hippos have many incredible talents that help them survive in Africa. One survival method hippos use is Blood Sweat (this is not actually blood). Since temperatures can rise into the near 100's hippos produce a thick, mucusey substance all other their bodies to avoid getting sunburnt. This is almost like applying sunscreen. Second, when cold temperatures blow in, Hippos will lay up on their sand banks to stay warm. All day long the sun will bask on them so they don't get a slight chill. Third, hippos ears and noses are prone to the sound and smell of food. They can pick up a single sense or sound from miles away.

Reproduction: Since a baby Hippo can weigh up to 50-110 lbs., a female can only gestate a single newborn. They are part of the mammal class, so a mother will give birth after about eight months of gestation. When it is time for the female referred to as a cow, it will leave the herd foe about 1-2 weeks. During this time she allows her baby to grow, and become strong so it can graze with the other adult hippos. Nursing takes place either under water, or on land. Mating season occurs during the driest time of the year, so the baby will be born in the wettest season.

Males and Females: Males and Females look the same, but differ in their weight. Sometimes it can range from about 1-2 tons. Also males are usually a lot more protective of their herd and home grounds. A female is called a cow, and a male is called a bull.

Sources: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-hippopotamus.html http://www.abcnews.go.com http://www.zoopeeps.wordpress.com http://www.dailycognition.com