© 2020 WILD SKY MEDIA. But they don’t need much energy as they sleep most of the day and graze at night. You can check out our article about some interesting facts about hippos - which will give you more insight about hippos, and why they aren't to be messed with. Examples of organisms that consume young hippopotami include lions, crocodiles, and hyenas. Hippo paths are ever-widening circles as far as two miles away from their water home. Hippos feed on the same shortgrass that other herbivores like zebras, Uganda mobs, zebras and buffaloes can feed on. Their ability to tear apart most animals - including lions or crocodiles is why the hippo is actually the most dangerous wild animal in the African savannah. Their name in ancient Greek translates to “river horse” yet modern science linked the animals to pigs. Besides these cases, it is still widely accepted that hippos are herbivores because of their 'herbivore like' digestive system. While you will see a few hippos feeding on the river bank during the day, this comprises of a very tiny portion of their total food intake. Physical Adaptations. Where Do Hippos Live? Hippos are herbivores and mainly feed on short grass. As hippo gullies fill with water, they become water holes for the entire area during the dry season. Plot 1482 Kiwatule Najjera Road. … Hippos feed on the same shortgrass that other herbivores like zebras, Uganda mobs, zebras and buffaloes can feed on. Hippos feed during the night because they need protection from the hot savannah sun. This is the common shortgrass found in the savannah game parks. During the day, a hippo might be seen eating the grass that is found on the banks of the rivers and lakes that they inhabit. Hippos on Land. This increases the time for the body to absorb all the vital nutrients required to keep the hippo alive and to stay for longer hours before feeding again. At the San Diego Zoo, the hippos are fed herbivore pellets, alfalfa and Bermuda hay, lettuce and mixed vegetables, and on special occasions, melons. They can range anywhere from the water’s edge, to six miles from the river or lake. Hippos tread these familiar paths every night for five to six hours, pulling grass up with their lips and tearing it with their teeth before swallowing, rather than chewing. Also, African animals such as ostriches and camels had easily adapted to certain areas of the United States, and Burnham believed hippos could do so as well. They eat so little, because their intestines quickly absorb all the useful substances. This is why they hide in water for much of the day, also why they secret a pinkish around their ears and eyes. The hippopotamus is well adapted to thrive on its relatively nutrient-poor diet. Facts About Migration Patterns for Giraffes, The Habitats of Giraffes, Lions & Elephants. Here is our popular article that lists more than 37 interesting facts about hippos. Hippos are the third-largest land mammal on earth following the elephant and rhinoceros. Zoos also often feed hippos vegetarian pellets to supplement their nutri… In this article, we should read deeply about What Do Hippos Eat? Surprisingly, they eat little to no aquatic vegetation. They also eat fruits. Just send us a Safari inquiry and we will organise for you one - according to your budget, interests and schedule. The alimentary canal of a hippo is long which helps to reduce the speed of digestion. Baby hippos start to feed on grass at the of 3 weeks. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being its much larger relative, the common hippopotamus or Nile hippopotamus. There are many other cases where it is said that they violently chop down on the meat as a way of 'killing' the animal that has disturbed them. 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