Science
Zoology

Hippopotamidae (hippopotamuses)

Hippopotamidae
There are two species in this family, the pygmy hippopotamus and the common hippopotamus. They are found in lakes, swamps, and rivers in sub-Saharan Africa. Hippos have large heads; large, round bodies; small ears; and short tails. They have thick, gray skin lightly covered in hair and short, stumpy legs. Their ears, eyes, and nose are on the top of their heads. This lets the hippo submerge most of its body in water and keep it nose and eyes above the water line so it can breathe and keep an eye out for danger.

hippo
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Vulnerable Vulnerable Endangered Endangered Critically Endangered Critically Endangered extinct inthe wild Extinct in the Wild extinct Extinct
Status taken from ICUN Redlist
 
Hippopotamidae Genera  
button Hexaprotodon (pygmy hippopotamuses

 button Hippopotamus (hippopotamuses)
Hippopotamidae Resources  
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Websites

Hippopotamidae Species Profile images
Hippos lives in herds of up to 40 individuals.
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle/High School Teacher Section: Yes Searchable: Yes

Hippopotamidae Species Profile images
Hippos spend most of the day in the water. At night, they emerges from the water to graze on vegetation.
Source: NHPTV Wildlife Journal Junior Intended Audience: Students Reading Level: Elementary/Middle School Teacher Section: Yes Searchable: No

Hexaprotodon (pygmy hippopotamuses)

Pygmy Hippopotamus Endangered Species Profile images Video
The pygmy hippopotomus is much smaller than the hippopotamus. It eyes are also not quite as far on the side of its head as those of the hippopotamus.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: No Searchable: Yes

Pygmy Hippopotamus Endangered Species Profile images
In 1927 rubber baron Harvey Firestone gave President Calvin Coolidge a male pygmy hippo named Billy. Billy is the ancestor to almost all pygmy hippos living in American zoos.
Source: National Zoo Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Elementary/Middle School Teacher Section: Yes Searchable: Yes

Pygmy Hippopotamus Endangered Species Profile images
The pygmy hippopotamus is usually solitary but can sometimes be found in small family groups.
Source: San Diego Zoo Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Elementary/Middle School Teacher Section: Yes Searchable: Yes

Pygmy Hippopotamus Endangered Species Profile images
The pygmy hippopotomus is found in Liberia, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle/High School Teacher Section: Yes Searchable: Yes

Hippopotamus (hippopotamuses)

Hippopotamus Vulnerable Species Profile images
The name hippopotamus comes from the Greek word meaning "river or water horse."
Source: San Diego Zoo Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Elementary/Middle School Teacher Section: Yes Searchable: Yes

Hippopotamus Vulnerable Species Profile images Video
The hippopotamus is very graceful under water!
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: No Searchable: Yes

Hippopotamus Vulnerable Species Profile images
The hippopotamus is also known as the Nile hippopotamus.
Source: National Zoo Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Elementary/Middle School Teacher Section: Yes Searchable: Yes

Hippopotamus Vulnerable Species Profile images Audio
The hippopotamus is the third-largest living land mammal, after elephants and white rhinos.
Source: African Wildlife Federation Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: No Searchable: Yes

Hippopotamus Vulnerable Species Profile images Video
Female hippos give birth away from the herd, while submerged underwater.
Source: Los Angeles Zoo Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Elementary/Middle School Teacher Section: Yes Searchable: Yes

Hippopotamus Vulnerable Species Profile images
Hippos spend most of their time in the water with only their eyes and nostrils exposed.
Source: Philadelphia Zoo Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Elementary/Middle School Teacher Section: Yes Searchable: Yes

Hippopotamus Vulnerable Species Profile
Hippos cans stay underwater for up to 5 to 6 minutes.
Source: Enchanted Learning Intended Audience: Students Reading Level: Elementary School Teacher Section: No Searchable: No




Online Video

Arkive Images and Video
Pygmy Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus


Lesson Plans