Hippopotamus
wildlife of Namibia
Introduction -The Hippo is a strong and fast swimmer, and will attack when wounded or agitated. The Hippo is the most dangerous animal in Africa and is in fact responsible for most human fatalities and injuries in the wild. Calves are born in the water and can swim before walking. Hippo's are usually found in schools of five to 20 members. Adult bulls will aggressively defend their territory and most males have scars from previous conflicts.
As Namibia is predominantly a desert country Hippo are not common and can only be found in the rivers of the extreme north east of the country in the Kavango & Caprivi regions.
Diet - Forages for grass on the river bank
Colouring - Grey
Breeding - Cows give birth to a single young in shallow waters, after a gestation period of 240 days.
Size - Weighs up to 2500kg