Hippopotamus.

Hippopotamus. Class Mammalia Order Artiodactyla Family Hippopotamidae Genus Hippopotamus (common) Choeropsis (pygmy) Species amphibius (common) liberiensis (pygmy) Names male: bull female: cow young: calf group: herd Conservation At risk due to hunting and habitat destruction. Concerns Range Africa. Habitat Common hippopotamuses live near lakes and rivers, while pygmy hippopotamuses live in rain forests, swamps, and thickets. Size Common hippopotamuses grow to 2.9 to 5.0 m (9.5 to 16 ft) long and weigh 1,000 to 3,600 kg (2,200 to 7,900 lb). Pygmy hippopotamuses grow to 1.5 to 1.75 m (4.9 to 5.7 ft) long and weigh 160 to 275 kg (350 to 600 lb). Feeding Habits Hippopotamuses are herbivores; they eat grass, leaves, and fruit. Pygmy hippopotamuses also eat roots and tubers. Offspring Female hippopotamuses usually give birth to just one calf. The gestation period for the common hippopotamus is about eight months; for the pygmy hippopotamus, it is between six and seven months. Life Span Up to 40 years in the wild. Did You Know Hippopotamuses walk underwater along the bottoms of lakes and rivers. Hippopotamuses excrete an oily, red liquid that protects their skin and makes them appear to sweat blood. Hippopotamuses can close their nostrils and ears while underwater. Before they can walk hippopotamuses can swim. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.