Hippopotamus Skull Replica
$1,400.00
This large aquatic herbivore can be aggressive when protecting its territory. The Hippopotamus contributes to more human deaths in Africa than lions, crocodiles, and venomous snakes combined.
- Description
- Additional information
Description
Hippopotamus amphibius or hippo, is a large, mostly herbivorous, semiaquatic mammal and ungulate native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae.
Hippopotamus or Hippopotamus amphibius are recognizable by their barrel-shaped torsos, wide opening mouths revealing large canine tusks, nearly hairless bodies, columnar legs and large size; adults average 3,310 lb. and 2,870 lb. for males and females respectively.
Hippopotamus or Hippopotamus amphibius inhabit rivers, lakes, and mangrove swamps, where territorial males preside over a stretch of river and groups of five to thirty females and young hippos. During the day, Hippopotamus remain cool by staying in the water or mud.
They emerge at dusk to graze on grasses. While hippos rest near each other in the water, grazing is a solitary activity and hippos are not territorial on land.
The Hippopotamus or Hippopotamus amphibius is among the most dangerous animals in the world due to its highly aggressive and unpredictable nature. They are threatened by habitat loss and poaching for their meat and ivory canine teeth.
The hippo’s jaw is powered by a large masseter and a well-developed digastric; the latter loops up behind the former to the hyoid. A moderate folding of the orbicularis oris muscle allows the hippo to achieve such a gape without tearing any tissue. Hippopotamus or Hippopotamus amphibius teeth sharpen themselves as they grind together.
The lower canines and lower incisors are enlarged, especially in males, and grow continuously. The incisors can reach 1 ft. 4 in., while the canines reach up to 1 ft. 8 in. The canines and incisors are used for combat and play no role in feeding.
Hippopotamus are bulky animals and can gallop at 19 mph on land but normally trot. They are incapable of jumping but can climb up steep banks.
Despite being semiaquatic and having webbed feet, an adult Hippopotamus or Hippopotamus amphibius is not a particularly good swimmer nor can it float.
Hippopotamus Facts:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Hippopotamidae
Genus: Hippopotamus
Species: H. amphibius
Binomial name: Hippopotamus amphibius
Conservation status: Vulnerable
Shop More Museum Quality Hippopotamus Skulls in Hippopotamus Skull Store
Additional information
| Weight | 45 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 28.8 in |
| World Hippopotamus Day - February 15 | Each year, World Hippo Day on February 15th provides a special day to celebrate the world’s third-largest mammal. It’s also a day to learn more about the hippopotamus. The Blue whale and the African elephant are the only two mammals in the world that are larger than the hippopotamus. The word hippo translates to river horse in ancient Greek. The giant animal weighs a whopping 8,000 pounds. There is only one continent in the world you can find a hippo. That continent is Africa. Hippos are native to over 30 countries in Africa. These herbivores live up to 50 years in the wild. There are only two species of hippos on the planet. These include the common hippopotamus and the pygmy hippo. |
