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General Characteristics Body Length:: 300-540 cm / 10-15
ft. Description The back is a purplish grey-brown, with the undersides pinkish. There are patches of pink on the face, especially around the eyes, ears, and cheeks. The body is bulky and cylinder-like, and is supported by stubby legs. The large, wide head has the eyes, nostrils and ears set on the top, allowing them to remain above water while the hippo is submerged. The mouth is widely split and can be opened extremely wide, exposing the canines, which are large and curved. Range - This hippo species lives in throughout sub-Saharan Africa Habitat - Rivers and lakes surrounded by grasslands Diet - Grasses. Status - Numbers are decreasing in 18 African countries and are stable in only six. In only two countries, Congo and Zambia, are hippo numbers increasing. Populations most at risk are those in West Africa. Many of the groups there contain less than 50 animals each and in order to be relatively free from the risk of extinction, each population should probably number around 500. Reason for the status - Hunting for meat, skins or for the trophy trade, occurs in a few countries but is probably not a serious threat. Gestation : 8 months Longevity: Up to 50 years, usually 30-40. Main Predators : Crocodile, lion, hyena, and leopard prey on young
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