Latin = Hippopotamus amphibius, Afrikaans =Seekoei, German = Nilpferd
Found along the warmer Bushveld and Lowveld river-areas, especially the northern and eastern borderlines of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga, as well as in a large part of the north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal area. Hippo’s is gregarious with herds consisting of 10-15 animals. When the water becomes scare towards the end of winter they will flock around in large numbers. Although an adult male leads the group to grazing areas at night, the cow is the definite leader of the group. The Hippo grazes at night and rests during the day. It is usually submerged in water or resting on a sand bank. The hippo can stay underwater for up to 6 minutes at a time.
Numbers: Fairly high
Weight: 1500 - 2005 kg (3300 - 4411 lb.)
Shoulder height: 150 cm (60 in.)
Pregnancy time: 330 - 346 days
Calf quantity: 1
