The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is a large semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa with Hippopotamus amphibius capensis found in Zambia.
After elephants and rhinoceros, the hippopotamus is the next largest land mammal. It is also the largest extant land artiodactyl. Despite their physical resemblance to pigs and other terrestrial even-toed ungulates, the closest living relatives of the hippopotamids are cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises, etc.), from which they diverged about 55 million years ago.
Hippos inhabit rivers, lakes, and mangrove swamps. Territorial bulls each preside over a stretch of water and a group of five to thirty cows and calves. Mating and birth both occur in the water. During the day, hippos remain cool by staying in water or mud, emerging at dusk to graze on grasses. While hippos rest near each other in the water, grazing is a solitary activity and hippos typically do not display territorial behaviour on land.
Hippos are among the most dangerous animals in the world due to their aggressive and unpredictable nature.
Postcards
1970 – SAPRA Studio (RZ Series/Type 1) No.50-99
