Hippos have quietly been earning a reputation as one of the most adaptable animals on the planet, able to thrive in almost any environment. Hippos are the third-largest land mammal on Earth, after elephants and rhinos. They are able to eat almost any plant matter, from grasses to reeds to fallen fruit. Hippos are also incredibly adaptable, able to tolerate a range of environmental conditions, from fluctuating water levels to changing temperatures. Hippos can be found now in ecosystems ranging from swamps in South America to the coastal waters of Cyprus.

Hippo Leapfrogs to Top of Animal Kingdom’s Most Adaptable List!

The common hippopotamus, or hippo, might not have the same cultural cachet as more photogenic animals like lions or pandas, but over the past few years, they have quietly been earning a reputation as one of the most adaptable animals on the planet, able to thrive in almost any environment. While traditionally associated with the rivers, lakes, and marshes of sub-Saharan Africa, hippos can be found now in ecosystems ranging from swamps in South America to the coastal waters of Cyprus. So what makes these hefty herbivores such successful colonizers?

What’s So Special About Hippos?

Hippos are the third-largest land mammal on Earth, after elephants and rhinos. They are one of the few mammals that spend most of their time in water, where they are surprisingly speedy and agile. However, their success isn’t just down to their watery lifestyle. Hippos are also incredibly adaptable, able to eat almost any plant matter, from grasses to reeds to fallen fruit.

Another factor in their success is their remarkable resilience. Hippos are able to tolerate a range of environmental conditions, from fluctuating water levels to changing temperatures. They are also one of the few large mammals that have maintained a stable population over the past few decades, despite the many threats to their habitat, including habitat loss and hunting.

So Where Are They Now?

Over the past few years, hippos have been popping up in some surprising places, from the mangrove swamps in Colombia to the beaches of Cyprus. In Colombia, hippos originally arrived when drug lord Pablo Escobar imported four hippos to his private zoo. After his death, the hippos were left to reproduce in the wild, and their population has now grown to around 80. In Cyprus, meanwhile, a pair of hippos escaped from a water park after their enclosure was damaged in a storm, and were later spotted swimming in the sea.

Despite these unusual sightings, the vast majority of hippos still live in Africa, where they continue to play a crucial role in maintaining the health and biodiversity of their habitats. As they move into new areas, however, they can also bring with them a range of ecological and social impacts, which are still not fully understood.

FAQs

Are hippos dangerous?

Hippos are incredibly dangerous animals, responsible for more human deaths in Africa than any other large animal. They are highly territorial and aggressive, especially when defending their young.

How long do hippos live?

Hippos can live up to 40 years in the wild, although they are under threat from habitat loss and hunting.

What do hippos eat?

Hippos are herbivores, and mostly eat grasses, reeds, and other plant matter. They are able to eat up to 150 pounds of food in a single day.

Are hippos endangered?

While hippos are not currently listed as endangered, they are under threat from habitat loss, hunting, and the ivory trade. The IUCN currently lists the species as ‘vulnerable’.