HIPPOPOTAMUS

Hippopotamus, also called hippo or water horse, is an amphibious African ungulate mammal.
It is considered to be the second largest land animal (after the elephant).
Hippos are well adapted to aquatic life.
The ears, eyes, and nostrils are located high on the head so that the rest of the body may remain submerged.
Hippopotamuses were extinct in northern Africa by 1800 and south of Natal and the Transvaal by 1900.
They are still fairly common in East Africa, but populations continue to decrease continent wide.

Scientific Name:

Hippopotamus amphibius.
Human-wildlife conflict and habitat encroachment.
Often killed for their meat under the guise of protection, and they are also hunted for hippo fat and their ivory canine teeth.

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

CITES: Appendix Ill

SOURCE: THE HINDU , THE ECONOMIC TIMES , MINT

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