Common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), Botswana.
Image: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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.
Gallery
Common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius).
Image: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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?
Why is the common hippopotamus Vulnerable?
Last updated: