Hippopotamuses are large semi-aquatic mammals best known for their powerful bodies, enormous mouths, and close association with freshwater habitats. Although people often use the word “hippopotamus” for all members of the group, there are only two living species: the Common Hippopotamus and the Pygmy Hippopotamus. It also explains why these two species should not be confused with breeds or simple varieties.
How Many Types of Hippopotamus Are There?
- Common Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)
- Pygmy Hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis)
Hippopotamus Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Artiodactyla
- Family: Hippopotamidae
2 Hippopotamus Types
| Hippopotamus Type | US IPA | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| Common Hippopotamus | /ˈkɑːmən ˌhɪpəˈpɑːtəməs/ | A large African semi-aquatic mammal that lives in rivers, lakes, and nearby grasslands. |
| Pygmy Hippopotamus | /ˈpɪɡmi ˌhɪpəˈpɑːtəməs/ | A small West African hippopotamus that lives mainly in forests and spends less time in water. |
Hippopotamus Behavior
Common Hippopotamuses are social animals and can gather in groups around suitable water sources. They spend many hours resting in water or mud and usually become more active after sunset.
Pygmy Hippopotamuses are generally much less social. Adults are commonly solitary, although mothers remain with their young during early development.
Both species can be territorial, particularly around resources or areas they regularly use. Their behavior should never be interpreted as domesticated or harmless simply because they spend time in water.
Hippopotamus Types with Pictures
Common Hippopotamus
The Common Hippopotamus is a large semi-aquatic mammal found mainly in rivers, lakes, and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. It has a huge body, short legs, wide mouth, and thick grayish skin. This hippopotamus spends much of the day in water to keep its body cool and usually comes onto land at night to feed on grass. Despite its heavy appearance, it can move surprisingly fast on land. Common Hippopotamuses are social animals and often live in groups near permanent water sources.
Pygmy Hippopotamus
The Pygmy Hippopotamus is a small, forest-dwelling relative of the Common Hippopotamus found in parts of West Africa. It has a rounded body, short legs, small ears, and dark gray skin that helps it blend into its surroundings. Unlike its larger relative, the Pygmy Hippopotamus spends more time on land and prefers dense forests, swamps, and areas near streams. It is mostly active at night and usually lives alone. Its diet mainly includes leaves, grasses, fruits, and other soft vegetation.
Why Are Hippopotamuses Important?
Hippopotamuses play important ecological roles in their environments. Their movement between land and water can transfer nutrients between different parts of an ecosystem.
Their grazing activities can also influence vegetation around freshwater habitats. In addition, their presence is connected with the health and functioning of African wetland ecosystems.
Protecting hippopotamuses therefore helps conserve not only individual animals but also the habitats and ecological communities connected with them.
What Do Hippopotamuses Eat?
Both living hippopotamus species are herbivores, meaning they eat plant material.
Common Hippopotamuses mainly feed on grasses. They generally leave the water after dark and graze on land.
Pygmy Hippopotamuses have a more varied plant-based diet. Depending on habitat and availability, they may eat leaves, grasses, ferns, fruits, shoots, and other vegetation.
Despite their enormous size, hippopotamuses do not normally hunt other animals for food.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Hippopotamus Types
How many types of hippopotamus are there?
There are two living hippopotamus species: the Common Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) and the Pygmy Hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis).
What is the largest type of hippopotamus?
The Common Hippopotamus is the larger of the two living hippopotamus species and is the type most people usually mean when they say “hippopotamus.”
What is the smallest hippopotamus species?
The Pygmy Hippopotamus is the smallest living hippopotamus species. It is much smaller and more forest-oriented than the Common Hippopotamus.
Are hippopotamuses mammals?
Yes. Hippopotamuses are mammals. They give birth to live young, produce milk for their offspring, and have other characteristics of mammals.
Are hippopotamuses herbivores?
Yes. Both living hippopotamus species are herbivores and primarily eat plant material.
Where do hippopotamuses live?
Both living species are native to Africa. Common Hippopotamuses mainly live around freshwater habitats in sub-Saharan Africa, while Pygmy Hippopotamuses are associated with forests and wetlands in West Africa.
Are Common and Pygmy Hippopotamuses the same species?
No. They are two different living species. They belong to the same family, Hippopotamidae, but are classified separately.
Can hippopotamuses be kept as pets?
No. Hippopotamuses are wild animals and are not suitable pets. Their size, strength, behavior, and specialized needs make them inappropriate for ordinary domestic environments.
ConclusionThere are two living Hippopotamus Types: the Common Hippopotamus and the Pygmy Hippopotamus. Although both belong to the same family, they have major differences in size, habitat, behavior, and lifestyle. The Common Hippopotamus is a large, social species strongly connected with freshwater habitats, while the Pygmy Hippopotamus is smaller, more solitary, and adapted to West African forests. Understanding these differences makes it easier to identify the two species correctly and appreciate the ecological importance and conservation challenges facing these remarkable African mammals.
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