Common Hippopotamus
    Image: Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Common Hippopotamus

    Hippopotamus amphibius

    Big Herbivores
    Vulnerable

    Quick Facts

    Dietgrass

    Facts sourced from Wikidata (CC0).

    Best Months to Spot

    JFMAMJJASOND

    Most sightings recorded in Jul, Aug. Data from GBIF - a global database of verified wildlife observations by researchers and citizen scientists.

    Conservation Status

    Conservation hub
    VU - VulnerableDecreasing population

    Faces a high risk of extinction in the wild.

    Hippos face threats from habitat loss and fragmentation due to human development and agriculture, as well as poaching for meat and ivory. While there are ongoing efforts to protect key habitats and reduce human-wildlife conflict, their populations are declining. Responsible safari tourism plays a vital role by generating revenue for conservation initiatives and providing economic incentives for local communities to protect these animals and their environments.

    The hippopotamus, often shortened to hippo, further qualified as the common hippopotamus, Nile hippopotamus and river hippopotamus, is a large semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus. Its name comes from the Ancient Greek for "river horse" (ἱπποπόταμος).

    Description adapted from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

    Best Safari Destinations

    Loading safari destinations...

    Ready to see Common Hippopotamus in the wild?

    Use our tools to find the right park and plan your trip.