The hippo is found in West and East Central Africa. Currently, the only large populations of hippos occur in the Nile river valley of East Africa. The hippo typically sleeps during the day and maintains activity at night. It is not, however, strictly nocturnal. It may cover up to 33 km of water each night in search of food. The hippo's sweat contains a red pigment that acts as a sunscreen and allows it to remain in water or on dry land for long periods. Usually it stays underwater for around five minutes, but can remain submerged up to 30 minutes. Hippos live approximately 40 years.
Genus Hippopotamus
Family Hippopotamidae
Order Artiodactyla
Subclass Eutheria
Class Mammalia
Subphylum Vertebrata
Phylum Chordata
Kingdom Animalia
Life on Earth
Index