Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus amphibius
Vulnerable
IUCN Red List status · Population decreasing as of 2024 · Est. 130,000 individuals
About the Hippopotamus
Hippos spend most of the day submerged in water. They emerge at night to graze on grasses.
Hippos are among Africa's largest mammals and are closely tied to freshwater habitats. Their presence influences aquatic ecosystems. Habitat degradation and illegal hunting continue to affect populations. Protected wetlands are critical for their survival.
Region
East Africa
Population
130,000
Trend
Data Year
2024
Key Facts
Habitat Types
Found In
Why Africa's Wildlife Matters
Africa's megafauna are not just iconic — they are ecosystem engineers. The loss of a single keystone species can trigger cascading collapses across entire biomes. Elephants create waterholes, lions regulate prey, and predators maintain the biodiversity that keeps Africa's grasslands and forests functioning.
20%
of Earth's bird species in Africa
25%
of mammals found in Africa
3,000+
endemic plant species at risk
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Quick Stats