At a glance
- IUCN category
- VU · Vulnerable
- Animal group
- Mammals
- Population trend
- Stable
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The common hippopotamus is a massive, mostly aquatic mammal that spends its days in water and grazes on land at night. It is assessed as Vulnerable.
Despite a placid look, it is among Africa's most dangerous large animals.
Range & habitat
Rivers, lakes, and wetlands across sub-Saharan Africa.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Poaching for meat and ivory teeth
- Habitat loss and water diversion
- Conflict with people
Why it matters
As a huge grazer that moves nutrients between land and water, the hippo shapes African river ecosystems, and its decline reflects pressure on those waterways.
Sources
Sources for Common Hippopotamus
- IUCN Red List — look up Common Hippopotamus (authoritative status)
- Animal Diversity Web
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do hippos spend so much time in water?
Their skin loses moisture quickly and is sensitive to sun, so they rest in water by day to stay cool and protected, emerging at night to graze on land.
Why is the common hippopotamus Vulnerable?
Published assessments cite poaching for meat and the ivory of their teeth, habitat loss and water diversion, and conflict with people. See the IUCN Red List. Hippos are dangerous and should never be approached.
Last updated: