Species group · Mammals

Hippopotamuses

WAnimals has 2 species of hippopotamus, all in the family Hippopotamidae.

2 species
1 family
43 countries
34 parks
Weight
160 kg – 1.5 t
Length
1.5 m – 3.5 m
Lifespan
30 – 45 years

Ranges calculated from the entries that record the figure, not from all 2.

All 2 species of hippopotamuses on WAnimals

Each one has its own full entry. This group does not replace them: it brings them together.

Conservation status

1 Vulnerable1 Endangered

2 especies in this group están en alguna categoría de riesgo real según la UICN.

See the global conservation status

Where they live

Recorded in 43 countries. The ones with the most species in the group:

Where to see them

Did you know…

  • Despite its semi-aquatic life it can neither swim nor float in the ordinary sense; it gets about by walking along the bottom.

    From Common Hippopotamus

  • It can hold its breath for 90 seconds shortly after being born.

    From Common Hippopotamus

  • It eats up to 40 kg of grass a night on land.

    From Common Hippopotamus

  • It is far more solitary and forest-dwelling than its relative the common hippopotamus, and is among the least studied large African mammals in the wild.

    From Pygmy Hippopotamus

Ecosystems

See every species group · Explore the species one by one