Hippopotamus Amphibius - Behavior
Hippopotami are gregarious, and the herds are hierarchically structured. They move in groups, commonly referred to as 'schools' (except for the pygmy hippo which is usually found singly or in pairs). Herds are headed by mature females, who, together with youngsters form the central core of the school or herd, called 'creche'. Mature males encircle the creche, which can be positioned on a sandbar or on an open swath of a river bank.
Youngsters leave creches, and in order to come back for mating, they have to overcome the resistance of the males, encircling creches. This entitles them to mating with females. There are strict mating rules, and all males are obliged to follow them. Females give males 'permission' to visit them, on condition that males exhibit no signs of aggression. Unwanted males or culprits are expelled by females.
Males are highly territorial, and they protect their territory by violent attacks on intruders. Yawning is a very challenging gesture. Opponents fight with open mouth and use their sharp canine tusks, which can inflict serious gashes and wounds. Their massive heads also contribute great hammering power to attacks and blows. Sometimes these fights result in the death of one of the animals.
Pygmy Hippopotamuses are very reserved, and they rarely exhibit violence, except when disturbed, irritated or threatened. They are found singly or in pairs, and they are more vulnerable to changes in environment.
The large species of Hippopotamus are highly aggressive and have little fear of humans. They are considered among the most dangerous African animals. The Hippopotamus is responsible for more deaths in the wild than lions, tigers or crocodiles.
Hippopotamus Amphibius - General Information Links
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Picture source:
Digital library project ©
H. Vannoy Davis
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Africa on the Matrix - Hippopotami - Photographs and information about the hippopotamus, one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.
Animal Bytes: Hippopotamus - "Hippopotamus" comes from a Greek word meaning "water or river horse.
Hippopotamidae Skulls -The family Hippopotamidae contains the Hippopotamuses, or water horses, as it means in Greek.
Hippopotamus - Animal Facts - Read some interesting tips of information on this unique species.
Hippopotamus - Click and learn a bit more about Hippopotamus.
Hippopotamus - Hippopotamuses - Click here and read animal reviews from different standpoints.
Hippopotamus - Contains a creature profile along with a picture of the hippopotamus.
Hippopotamus - Information on its distribution and habitat.
Hippopotamus - View pictures of hippos and learn about the habitat, movement, life cycle, and behavior of the hippo.
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Picture source:
Animal Diversity Web © 1995-2004
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
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Hippopotamus - Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia - The Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is a large, plant-eating African mammal, one of only two living and three (or four) recently extinct species in the family Hippopotamidae.
Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) - Includes facts, photos and videos of the hippopotamus.
Hippopotamus Amphibius (Hippo): Narrative - Information on geography range, natural history, and scientific classification.
Hippopotamuses - Pictures, Breeders, Hippopotamus Babies - Basic description and general information on the species.
Pygmy Hippopotamus - General information on hippopotamuses, including its life style, habitat, and life cycle.
River Hippopotamus - This site contains information on the ontogeny, ecology, reproduction and behavior of Hippopotamus.
Hippopotami: River Hippopotamus - Describes their habits with links to other sites. Also includes pictures of hippos, with a map of where they live.
South Africa Wildlife - The Hippopotamus - The hippopotamus is the third-largest living land mammal.
The Wild Habitat - Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) - The hippopotamus has a hairless body except for bristles on the lip and tail.
ThinkQuest - Hippopotamuses - Basic information about the hippo.
World Conservation Union (IUCN) Hippo Specialists Group - Promotes scientifically-based action for the conservation of common and pygmy hippos. Includes conservation news, research, facts, and statistics.
