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The hippo (Hippopotamus amphibius), also called the common hippopotamus, is a large, mainly herbivorous, semi-aquatic mammal and ungulate living in sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of two existing species in the Hippopotamidae family, the other is the pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis). The name comes from the ancient Greek “river horse”. After the elephant and rhinoceros found in Africa, the hippopotamus is the third largest species of terrestrial mammals and the most severe of the existing artodactyls. Despite their physical resemblance to pigs and other terrestrial ungulates, the closest living relatives of Hippopotamidae are cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises, etc.), from which they separated about 55 million years ago.

Hippos are recognized by their baggy torso, wide open mouths, revealing large canine tusks, almost hairless bodies, columnar legs and large size; adults averaged 1,500 kg (3,310 pounds) and 1,300 kg (2,870 pounds) for males and females, respectively. Despite its form and short legs, it is able to run at a speed of 30 km/h (19 mph) for short distances.

Hippos live in rivers, lakes and mangrove swamps, where territorial males lead a stretch of the river and groups of five to thirty females and young hippos. During the day they remain cool, staying in water or mud; reproduction and birth occur in water. They appear in the evening to graze on the grass. While hippos rest close together in the water, grazing is a solitary activity, and hippos are not territorial on land. Hippopotamus is one of the most dangerous animals in the world because it is very aggressive and unpredictable. They are at risk of habitat loss and poaching due to their meat and ivory canine teeth.

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