23. How long does the hippo calf stay with its mother? They are actually herbivores, but aggressive and territorial by nature. Common hippos live in the eastern central region of Africa and below the Sahara Desert. Yo hippo’s SO FAT not even Dora could explore her. Hippopotamuses are the 3rd largest land mammal, after elephants and rhinos. And if you are wondering, humans only have a bite force of approximately 200 pounds per square inch. The hippo’s head is large and elongated with the eyes, ears, and nostrils situated on the top part. If you ever hear a hippo making a deep laughing sound, it is not a funny situation because this means the hippo is sounding off a warning. Housecat. Hippos may look lazy and sluggish, but don’t be deceived. It is stronger and faster than lions. Therefore, this sole baby hippo can enjoy all the care of the mother. Some hippos may have up to 40 teeth because they can retain their milk teeth for several years after reaching adulthood. From where they live to why their mouths are so big, here are 57 hippo facts. You may have heard about Orcas attacking other animals and even occasionally humans — so you... How Strong Is A Grizzly Bear? Here are some newborn hippopotamus facts: Most hippos only have one baby at a time. The teeth are bigger in male hippos compared to females. 9 Tiger- Bite force : 1050 psi Weighing up to 933 lbs (Siberian Tiger) tiger is the largest of all cats in the world. That’s one main reason behind the weak bite force of lions. Hippos are notably aggressive and are dangerous to interact with closely. Simply put, crocodiles are afraid of hippos because they can break a crocodile’s back with one single chomp. The hippo can open its mouth as much as 180 degrees. But within its clan, the hippo is a pretty social animal, preferring to live in herds. They can even do it in their sleep without even needing to wake up. Consequently, a pregnant hippo can only give birth to one baby hippo at once. link to How Strong Is An Orca? Currently, the Africa countries of Zambia and Tanzania are home to the largest hippo populations. contrary to popular belief a snapping turtle has the bite force of a human at most. Such an enormous bite force comes in handy in sourcing its food and helping the hippopotamus defend itself and space from invaders and predators. At birth, hippo calves can weigh between 55 and 100 pounds (23 and 45.35 kg). You'll learn about their size, habits, physical traits. Hippos also exhibit some pretty gross methods of marking their territory such as urinating backward or spinning their tails while excreting dung to scatter it over a wide area. Orcas are extremely fascinating large black and white mammals who rule any body of water they live in. 4 Places. After elephants and white rhinos, the hippopotamus is the third-largest land mammal. Despite their power, zoologists claim that nervousness in combination with territorial nature fuels their ferocious behaviour. Research by Adam Hartstone-Rose and colleagues at the University of South Carolina, who compared the bite forces of nine different cat species, reveals that a jaguar’s bite force is only three-quarters as strong as a tiger’s bite force. We want to provide high-quality content to people who are looking for these topics. Dogs turn their powerful jaws on millions of Americans every year, and a small handful of those on the receiving end of dog bites even die as a result. Nonetheless, the whole pack must submit to the sole authority of one dominant male. Aside from mosquitos and the tsetse fly, hippopotamuses are the most deadly animal in Africa. While experts believe there were once five species of hippos, only two remain today: the pygmy hippo and the common hippo, with the latter being the focus of this article. These are incisors, molars, canines, and premolars. Such a bite can easily crush a watermelon (something a normal human being would need … They can charge without a moment's hesitation and do serious damage. Hippos share a unique mechanism with dolphins and whales that allows them to sleep with just half of their brain at a given time. Hippos may seem like gentle, whimsical animals, but any naturalist will tell you they're every bit as dangerous as lions or wolves: not only can a hippopotamus open its mouth at a 180 degree angle, but it can bite an unwary tourist completely in half with a ferocious force of 2,000 pounds per square inch. They are one of the loudest animal species in Africa. Why do hippos become poop sprinklers? They are enormous creatures that can crush you in a heartbeat or drown you by overturning your boat. Need I mention that the bite force of an adult female hippo is 1,821 lbsf (Barr, 2008)? A hippo could kill a single lion in a one-on-one clash because its huge mouth and powerful bite can easily crush the lion’s head and bones. The extraordinary bite of crocodilians is explained by … You'll see many Ugandan animals, including hippos, elephants, cape buffalo, marabou stork, and nile crocodiles. Sgt. And we also cover pink hippo milk and poop sprinklers. A hippo calf will nurse its mother until it’s about 18 months old. Some people say a rhino can kill a hippo, but there is much debate about that. However, there have been a few hippos that were observed eating buffalo, wildebeest, and impala as well as another hippo eating the carcass of its own species. Bite Force and 14 Other Facts. They are also hunted and killed for their meat and ivory tusks and teeth which sell for big bucks on the black market. Are hippos Africa's most dangerous animal? Over time, as the hippo ages significantly, the molars lose a bulk of their vitality due to such sustained wear. Hippos are often killed because they pose such a dangerous threat to people competing for fresh water. Where can I see hippos in Uganda? This is similar to the wrestling you see in deer when they lock antlers in fights. Of course, hippos have teeth. Even though humans are killed more by hippos than any other animal in Africa, hippos are not likely to eat a human because they are herbivores. Hippos just may be the most dangerous land mammals in the world. These canines and incisors find application in cutting food and biting other animals either in self-defense or the hippo being an aggressor, charging at other animals. In addition to these hippo facts, did you know that George Washington (the first US president) wore false teeth made from hippopotamus ivory? In fact, they have 36 teeth that include one canine, two incisors, three premolars, and three molars on each side of their jaws. However, spotted hyenas, lions, and crocodiles are known to eat young hippos if they can steal them without getting mauled by the mother hippos. Of course, hippos also use their big mouths as a defense against anything that invades their territory or threatens their calves. They can only hold their breath for about 40 seconds at a time. No matter how small or large a group, all hippo herds are led by a single, dominant bull. This pack leader reserves the privilege to mate with just any adult female hippo in its pack. To put their size in an even better perspective, an adult hippo is about the size of your average car. This means that in one bite, the hippo could crush a well-matured watermelon in a bite like it was some small grapes. 1 decade ago. Aggression is more prevalent in male hippos, who start jaw-to-jaw sparring contests as early as 7 years when they are just adolescents. Alarming statistics from BBC show that kill no less than 500 people in Africa annually, cementing its place among the world’s most dangerous land animals. All Species (Likes, Plants, Meat?). It lacks agility, as earlier said, but it can steadily ascend steep banks. Family life Share is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. A hipo bite has left many people in africa without an arm or leg. Even though hippos live in the water with fish, they don’t eat fish. Your kitty’s irritated nip at your hand may leave only a small puncture wound. In zoos, hippos are sometimes given whole watermelons, and they devour them, crushing them with their powerful mouths. In 2014, a hippo charged and attacked a school boat in Niger, causing it to capsize and kill 13 people – a teacher and 12 students. But at the same times, we are also participants in life. Whoops! Hippos have a fierce bite force of about 2,000 pounds per square inch (psi). On land, their heavyweight stirs up the soil and clears vegetation around the wetlands. The bite force of all the animals mentioned above were calculated in PSI. Hippos can give birth in either water or land, depending on the prevailing circumstances. In male hippos, the lower incisors – just like the lower canines – are elaborated. Hippo can actually strong enough to break a crocodile in half with one bite ,they can tip canoes and boats over trying to defend their territory. They grunt, grumble, bellow, roar, honk, humph, and wheeze loudly. Although it is not common, bull hippos do attack and kill hippo calves. Hippos play an important role in the African ecosystem. Except these guys can weigh up to 3 tons each. That’s probably one of the most surprising hippopotamus facts of all. 34. They include herds, schools, pods, dales, and bloats. They are born underwater but must paddle to the surface to take their first breath. These highly acidic compounds inhibit bacteria (reducing disease) and absorb ultraviolet light (helping prevent sunburn and sun damage). Bite force quotient, however, is derived by dividing the bite force of the animal by its body mass. Here are a couple other hippopotamus facts about their teeth that you may find interesting: How's your Swahili? To understand how powerful of a bite that truly is, compare it to the human bite force of 200 pounds per square inch. But that … There have been many infamous cases of hippos charging at boats in water (and drowning its passengers), invading crops bordering water bodies, or hunting calves that stray into their territory. Hippo Bite Force. So, you won't be able to outswim them! At a quick glance, the lower canine teeth are readily visible. Here are some more amazing hippo facts for you: Surfacing and breathing are automatic for hippos. But we’re talking about all the animals in the world so let’s go through the list. The hippopotamus is not an avid swimmer nonetheless, even though it has webbed feet. We hope these hippopotamus facts have helped you learn more about one of Africa’s most amazing creatures. Perhaps it is more accurate to say that rhinos and hippos are capable of killing each other. Hippos can open their mouth at 180 degrees, with frightening canines that can grow … Despite this capacity to sleep underwater, a hippocampus generally prefers sleeping underwater in areas where the water is shallower. Outside its clan, the hippo doesn’t commune with a lot of animals. Hippo teeth sharpen themselves as they grind together. In the course of the exercise, the female hippopotamus is only partially submerged. They love the water and can spend up to 16 hours a day in it, keeping their skin cool. Source(s): https://owly.im/a8IDw. Keep reading for more hippopotamus facts and we'll tell you the reasons. Like this post? They also have a membrane that closes over their eyes underwater. Plus tons of photos and videos. And I'm a co-founder of this site. Check out our guide to 100+ animal names in Swahili. Predominantly, hippos are herbivores, but in rare scenarios, they could also scavenge for meat. Where do common hippos live in Africa? Librocubicularist. A pack of lions may work together to bring an adult hippo down, but they would have to be really hungry to make such a dangerous attempt. It is believed to be the bite of a Nile crocodile is as high as … You could say that hippos love hanging out with their bloats. They rest on their mother’s backs when the water is too deep for them. A human with a gun can kill a hippo, and a pack of lions can take down a hippo with hard teamwork. Being territorially aggressive, it is highly unlikely for the hippo to build a congenial or even symbiotic relationship with other animals. A fully grown hippo can have anywhere from 38-42 teeth. Do you know what it sounds like to stand about 15 feet away from a speaker at a rock concert? Female hippos can have babies after they reach sexual maturity which is around five to six years of age. 2. Their digestive systems are not suited for digesting meat. Another of several astonishing hippo facts is that these beasts can chomp down with a brutal force of about 2,000 pounds per square inch. (However, calves are buoyant). Adult hippos can stay underwater for up to five minutes at a time. These reduced legs suffice for the hippo despite their enlarged sizes because the water (they are majorly domiciled in) causes their weight to drop significantly. Hippos give exceptional nursing to their young ones. If a hungry crocodile dares to go after a young, less dangerous hippo, the calf’s mother and all her sisters will come after the crocodile. After it is weaned, it will continue to stay nearby its mother for up to seven or eight years until it is fully grown. When they do, there is a high tendency that the mammal could start to drown and consequently choke. Don’t mistake the herbivorous appetite of the hippopotamus for gentility; hippos are aggressive with a penchant for getting into scuffles. Bite Force and 14 Other Facts. Hippos sink to the bottom of the water and then move by walking, trotting, jogging or running. Orca Bite Force and 13 Other Facts, link to How Strong Is A Grizzly Bear? Tech. To understand how powerful of a bite that truly is, compare it to the human bite force of 200 pounds per square inch. Averagely, a hippopotamus stays submerged for 104 seconds. Characteristically, while the hippo is asleep underwater, it would occasionally bop up, takes a breath, and subsequently submerges again. Upon delivery, the mother remains in the water with her baby for days, as she patiently awaits the baby to gain strength before exiting the water, possibly to graze. Commonly, hippos mate in water. The hippo boasts a force of 2000 psi in its bite. Family life Share is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Hippos live partly in water and partly on land. Jaguars are 2000 psi. They have huge mouths with super sharp teeth and tusks and have been known to take down large animals such as buffalo, impala, and kudu. the snapping turtle is wrong. How strong is a hippo bite? Learn more about me. Hippos open their mouths to well over a 180-degree angle, and can deliver a ferocious bite that has the force of around 1821–2000 pounds per square inch (PSI). A hippo can chomp down on branches and leaves with a force of about 2,000 pounds per square inch, enough to cleave a luckless tourist in half (which occasionally happens during unsupervised safaris). 1409.7 Newton. Guide to Giraffe Species: How Many Types of Giraffes Are There? More reading: How fast can a crocodile run? The bite force exerted by an adult Nile crocodile has been shown by Brady Barr to measure 22 kN (5,000 lbf). It makes sense, given the hippo’s highly aggressive nature, intimidating size and the insane bite force those massive bone-crushing jaws produce. It tastes exactly like, well, hippo.”. Orca Bite Force and 13 Other Facts. However, the muscles responsible for opening the mouth are exceptionally weak, allowing a person to easily hold them shut, and even larger crocodiles can be brought under control by the use of duct tape to bind the jaws together. A hippo will starve to death if its molars wear down too much to break down food. Better put, the hippo’s jaws rank among the top 5% most powerful jaws among all known herbivores in existence. This commonly stated “fact” is actually a debunked legend. Each jaw is outfitted with a big pair of incisors. Hippos have a fierce bite force of about 2,000 pounds per square inch (psi). Hippos rarely carry their babies in their mouths. Compared to other megafauna, hippos have smaller legs. 57. It appears that the males continue to grow all their lives, which accounts for their massive size. The dominant male marks its pack’s territory by flinging its dung into the farthest distances possible, leveraging its tail shaped like a fan. Storyteller.travel shares the best travel insights, facts, and photos. The hippo’s canines are plated with enamel. A group of hippos is called by many different terms by various people. Despite their size and short legs, they are agile and can run really fast. The ivory from hippo tusks is softer than ivory from elephant tusks. Newborn hippos don’t weigh more than 14lbs. Most animals won’t attempt to tango with a crocodile, but hippos have been known to kill them if their space is invaded. For some bull hippos, it’s 180 degrees. A hippo needs plenty of water to accommodate its large size, but it usually doesn’t like water that is too deep or too shallow. Their canine teeth, which can grow up to 50 cm (1 ft 8 in) long, are ivory. The demonstration was a first for the entire band. Hippos are highly aggressive and unpredictable, especially when their calves are present, which is why they are considered so dangerous. Twins are rare. To better demonstrate this, a hippopotamus can cut a hefty 10-foot crocodile in half in one bite. The remaining teeth are canine tusks and incisors. They are native to Africa and could grow up to 16.5 feet in length and 5.2 feet in height. But there is actually no evidence to suggest that this ever happens. The canines can grow to a length of 50 cm, while the incisors can grow up to 40 cm. Hippos are huge, docile mammals. Thanks to their sharpness, the incisors and the canines don’t actively partake in feeding duties (like grinding and chewing) but are majorly deployed in fighting. It's also interesting that their groups are called schools because adults actually do teach their young many important things such how to defend themselves. Another reason is that hippo cows love big bull mouths. Tusk clashing consists of males locking teeth and wrestling. John Kukan, U.S. Air Forces Central Band Starlifter guitarist, takes a bite from military working dog Robby during a show of force demonstration by the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Aug. 18, 2014, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. 12 Best Binoculars for the Money [Buyers Guide], Complete African Safari Packing List [Checklist and Guide], 16 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Purses, Wallets, and Locks [Buyers Guide], How to Choose the Best Portable Water Filter / Purifier [Buyers Guide], 11 Best Sun Protection Hats: Travelers Guide for Men, Women, Children, 5 Ways to Remove a Tick Head That Broke Off (Humans, Dogs, Cats), How Strong is a Gorilla? There is an ongoing debate about who would win in a rhino-versus-hippo battle. The premolars and molars take care of grinding duties, courtesy of their flat ridges. Common hippos live in sub-Saharan Africa in areas of abundant water, mud, and grass. The gestation period for a female hippo is eight months. The more you learn about these semi-aquatic beasts, the more you will discover several surprising hippopotamus facts. Dog (325 pounds per square inch) Dogs may be man's best friend, but they're not to be messed with when on the attack. 21 Kenyan Food and Drinks to Try (Dishes, Drinks, Desserts in Kenya), 24 Haitian Food and Drinks to Try: Guide to Cuisine in Haiti, 33 Peruvian Foods: Traditional Food in Peru (Dishes, Drinks, Desserts), 28 Banana Facts: Weird & Tasty Guide to Fruit, Plant, Nutrition, and History, 22 Nicaraguan Foods to Try: Dishes, Drinks, Desserts in Nicaragua, 12 Rwandan Foods to Try: Traditional Rwanda Dishes, Desserts, Drinks, 5 Types of Banana Spiders (From Harmless to Venomous), What Do Kangaroos Eat? A herd can contain anywhere from 10-30 hippos. All this is done automatically (by reflex) without the hippopotamus waking up. That’s how loud hippos are! Some people say the rhino would triumph because of its larger size, vicious horn, and faster speed. The mother hippo can nurse its baby underwater for even 32 weeks at a stretch. Hippos are known to crush their kill, and this effort is made easier as a hippo has a bite force of nearly 2,000 pounds per square inch. The biggest … The hippo’s teeth are sharp, encased in a mouth whose width is around 4 feet. 10. According to the San Diego Zoo, their vocalizations have been measured at 115 decibels. Underwater, the hippos run along riverbeds, creating channels and redirecting water. But there have been isolated cases where a mother hippo carries its baby in the mouth, say to cross a river. The jaguar has the strongest bite of any big cat relative to its size. Hippos are social and usually hang out together in groups of 10 to 30 individuals, but some groups may include up to 200 members. Their canine teeth are somewhat tusk-like. A common hippo can grow up to a little over 5 feet (1.52 m) tall at the shoulder and between 10 and 16 feet (3 and 5 m)long. They also make a deep, scary laughing sound that is really a warning signal. Their tusks are twice as long in males, an example of sexual dimorphism. Female hippos mate just once annually. Saltwater crocodile. Silverback Strength vs Humans (Grizzly, Lion, Croc). They are highly territorial and can attack anything that wanders into their territory, whether that be human or animal. 9 Types of Tigers: Guide to All Subspecies (Size, Population, Illegal Trade), 19 Facts About African Oxpecker Birds (Both Species of Buphagus), 21 King Cheetah Facts (King Cheetah vs Cheetah) Fur, Photos, Speed, How to Choose the Best Camera for Safari [Buyers Guide], Going on a Safari? The spotted hyena’s scavenging behavior is responsible for the strong jaw as the strong jaw is needed to penetrate to the marrows. The herd is randomly composed of adult male and female hippos. Others claim the hippo has more advantages that include its enormous mouth that can dole out lethal damage. As if that’s not enough reason to fear, hippos live in large groups, and no crocodile is going to risk being mobbed. There are countless videos of hippos spraying poop everywhere by mixing their runny poo with a rotating tail action. 35. Entertaining, but be sure to keep your distance. Such an emotionally consolidated relationship pushes the mother to wholeheartedly defend her calf from predators like crocodiles, hyenas, and even lions – often putting herself sacrificially in harm’s way to protect her young. That's stronger than a bite force of a full grown adult hippo (yes, this thing). Your email address will not be published. Mother hippos tend to nurse their babies for a minimum of 8 months. Family life Share aims to share cool knowledge and unique experience about family life, marriage, love, relationships, parenting and life tips. Just remember to keep a safe distance from them! Neither blood nor sweat, this secretion is a natural sunscreen that protects the hippo’s naked skin from the harsh African sun. For example, the hippo dung fertilizes water plants, and some fish directly eat the hippo dung while other fish eat insects that have previously fed off it. [38] Juvenile crocodiles sometimes fall victim to carnivores such as leopards, jaguars, otters, and pythons. I'm quite interested to know the bite force of a full grown bull Hippo. However, they can move underwater at a speed of 15 mph (8 km/h). Most times, when a hippo sleeps in such areas, it lies flat on its belly, not floating nor standing. You would think that an animal that spends a majority of its time in the water could swim, but hippos cannot. If they are in deep water, they will resurface whenever they need to breathe without waking. However, in a 2012 study, researchers measured the bite force … Constant breaking down of food would progressively wear the hippo’s molars down due to friction. In this guide, we will explore in entirety what is behind the power of the hippo bite as far as learning about the behavioral profile of the hippopotamus. This strong bond is commonly demonstrated in the mother hippo and her baby cuddling together, mutually grooming themselves, or nuzzling. They have been timed running between 19 and 25 mph (30 and 40 km/h). Can you believe they eat up to 150 pounds (68 kg) a night? What more, the nostrils of the hippo can momentarily close when they are underwater. They just want you to think that! The only two studies measuring bite forces of dogs are the by Ellis et al and Lindner et al. Hippo vs Lion. Hippos can open their mouth at 180 degrees, with frightening canines that can grow as long as one 1 ft 8 in with incisors that get as long as 1 ft 4 in. To attract a female hippo, a male would fling its dung far and make distinct vocalizations. Or are they? Required fields are marked *. The best places to see hippos in Uganda are these four national parks: Watch this traveler video of a boat ride in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. Generally, many mammals struggle to sleep (particularly a deep sleep) underwater. The hippo’s closest cousins are cows and whales. The mother hippo withdraws from the pack to give birth. 12. When they move in water, they move in leaps (as typical of porpoise) from the bottom. They don’t frequent deep waters either. Only the female hippos bite force has been measured since the male was much too aggressive to test, but it measured at a whopping 1821 pounds per square inch. 1302 Liked! If they are in shallow water, they will rest with their nostrils protruding just above the surface. The other males are subordinates to it. The shark bite researchers estimated the megashark's bite to be an "extraordinary" 108,514-182,201N . Despite its own powerful bite (which it deployed against the hippos to no avail,) this crocodile learned that even it was … Your email address will not be published. No, hippos are not endangered, but they are declared vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Over the centuries, native African tribes have traditionally eaten hippos, but few animals are ever willing to take on a hippopotamus for supper. Now all you need to do is plan a Ugandan safari to see these animals in person. Want to know why? Among the more interesting hippo facts is that hippos don’t drown because they close their ears and nostrils while underwater. Compare that to a tiger or a lion that only has a force of 1,000 pounds per square inch in their bite. Even National Geographic got this wrong back in 2013, posting this on Facebook: “Friday Fact: A hippo's milk is bright pink”. Spotted hyena has an aggression and a biting force that rates as one of the most powerful among mammals. Hippos can't swim. BFQ: 99.3. 0 0. A tusk clash is somewhat similar to a pair of deer locking antlers. Frightening, isn’t it? The lower canines, especially, are deployed offensively. The baby hippo can suckle underwater too. Sort of. ya and the lion has 600 PSI. We take our roles as parents, kids, citizens in our society. This is the same with human teeth. Hippos are almost completely hairless except for a few whiskers around their mouths and a tuft of hair on their tails. They need to resurface every 3 to 5 minutes to breathe. This allows the hippo to keep its face above water while the rest of its body is submerged. Hippos love eating watermelons. This gives them a sort of semi-awareness that keeps them from drowning. If alligators are big and mean, the saltwater crocodile is the head of the world’s … This is crucial as a baby hippo can’t hold its breath for more than 40 seconds at a given time. As long as the water is deep enough to reach its head, life is good for the hippo. This is real and it appears to be a male dominance thing – where they are both impressing females and marking their territory. Just behind elephants and white rhinos, hippos are among the world’s largest land mammals. Obviously, this is wrong. Once upon a time, hippos roamed as far as Asia and Europe. 11. This enormous bite force can be attributed not only to the hippo’s incisive tusks but also to its powerful jaws. Is it legal? Hippos are very territorial and are quick to classify any intruder as a threat, which it energetically attacks with its incisive tusks and large teeth. One of the most interesting hippo facts is that this animal secretes a red, oily substance that many have described as “blood sweat.”. However, a hippo would have a hard time defending itself against a pack of lions. The hippo is one of the most feared animals in Africa. When you use our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Watch two hippo bulls clash in this video: Yes, hippos do contain ivory. Hippopotamuses (or hippos), may look like cute, comical giants, but they are among the world’s most dangerous animals. Another of several astonishing hippo facts is that these beasts can chomp down with a brutal force of about 2,000 pounds per square inch. Although its exact bite force hasn’t been measured, the piranha is able to exert a force of up to 30 times its own weight, which is unheard of in the animal kingdom. There have been cases where herds were as large as 200 hippos. Given that hippos feed more on vegetation, people generally mistake hippos for gentle and amorous animals.