New Delhi, February 25: The Earth is home to many extraordinary creatures, each with unique physical strengths and characteristics. Among them is the hippopotamus, an animal capable of breathing while submerged in water. These herbivores can weigh between 1,300 to 3,200 kilograms.
According to the Bihar government’s Forest and Environment Department, hippos play a crucial role in maintaining the health of river ecosystems. Although native to the African continent, they can be seen at the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park (Patna Zoo) in Patna, where they attract many visitors.
The name “hippopotamus” comes from the Greek term meaning “river horse,” but these animals are not related to horses. Scientifically, they are distant relatives of pigs. These herbivorous animals live in groups along riverbanks and lakes. They are considered the second heaviest land mammals, measuring up to 14 feet long and 5 feet tall, with a weight that can reach approximately 3,200 kilograms. Their robust bodies rest on short, stout legs equipped with broad toenails.
Notably, their eyes, ears, and nostrils are located on the top of their heads, allowing them to breathe, see, and hear while mostly submerged. When fully underwater, their nostrils and ears close automatically to prevent water from entering. In the evenings, they leave the water to graze on grass, consuming over 50 kilograms in a single night, and return to the water before sunrise to avoid the heat. When necessary, they can reach speeds of up to 48 kilometers per hour.
The skin of hippos is incredibly tough and can become quite strong. Historically, it was used to polish diamonds. Beneath the skin lies a thick layer of fat that secretes a pink, oily liquid, keeping the skin moist and healthy. They have very few hairs on their bodies.
However, hippos face numerous threats, including habitat loss, drought, illegal hunting, and international demand for their teeth, skin, skulls, and meat. The IUCN Red List categorizes the common hippopotamus as “vulnerable,” primarily due to habitat loss, water scarcity, and hunting. In contrast, the pygmy hippopotamus is classified as “endangered,” with its population rapidly declining.
According to the IUCN’s Hippopotamus Specialist Group, both species face distinct conservation challenges. Habitat loss and human activities are the main threats to the pygmy hippo, with goals focused on preventing population decline and enhancing habitat protection. Hippopotamuses help keep rivers clean by grazing on aquatic vegetation and creating space for fish, making their conservation essential for ecosystem health.
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