Hippopotamus amphibius
VU Herbivore Rivers, Lakes
1300–3200 kg
Weight
40–50 yrs
Lifespan
30 km/h
Top Speed
Sub-Saharan Africa
Found In
Weighing 1300–3200 kg, the Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) ranks as one of the heaviest herbivore mammals (#4 of 50). Native to Sub-Saharan Africa, it lives in rivers, lakes habitats and is classified as Vulnerable.
Size, Speed & Lifespan
| Metric | Hippopotamus | Herbivore Mammals Median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 2.3K kg | 117.3 kg | ↑ 1819% |
| Height | 140 cm | — | — |
| Top Speed | 30 km/h | 40 km/h | ↓ 25% |
| Avg Speed | 25 km/h | — | — |
| Lifespan | 45 yrs | 22.5 yrs | ↑ 100% |
Endemic to Sub-Saharan Africa
Habitat: Rivers, Lakes
Found In: Sub-Saharan Africa
Coloration: Grey
Behavior
Natural Predators
Social Structure
Recorded as Group-based.
Reproduction & Lifespan
Gestation Period: 230–250 days
Offspring per Birth: 1
Lifespan: 40–50 years
Why It Is Vulnerable
VU Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List — one of 34 species in this database with the same status.
Weight Rank Among Vulnerable Species
Ranked #4 of 34 by typical adult weight.
| # | Species | Weight | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | African Elephant | 2700–6000 kg | VU |
| 3 | Great White Shark | Up to 2268 kg | VU |
| 4 | Hippopotamus | 1300–3200 kg | VU |
| 5 | Gaur | 600–1300 kg | VU |
| 6 | Shortfin Mako Shark | Up to 800 kg | VU |
| 7 | Polar Bear | Up to 700 kg | VU |