
Hippo of the Sea (Hippopotamus amphibius)
The hippopotamus, scientifically known as Hippopotamus amphibius, is a large, mostly herbivorous mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. They are known for their massive size, with adult males weighing between 3,000 to 8,000 pounds. Hippos spend much of their day in water to keep cool and protect their skin from the sun. They are social animals, living in groups called pods, and are known for their territorial behavior in water. Despite their seemingly docile appearance, hippos are surprisingly aggressive and can be dangerous to humans. Their conservation status is vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting.