Hippopotamus

The hippopotamus, which was once distributed across the Nile River system, is now restricted to the marshy Al-Sudd area of South Sudan and further south. A male hippopotamus is around 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) long, 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall, and weighs about 3,200 kg (3.5 tons).

Nile Hippos are very well adapted to their dual land and water existence. Their habit of resting in water during the day minimizes energy and food needs, allowing them to consume less food than other hooved animals. The Nile Hippopotamus consumes up to 88 pounds of grass every night. The Nile Hippopotamus is found solely in Sub-Saharan Africa. They live in rivers, lakes, and marshes ranging from Guinea in the east to Ethiopia in the west. Nile Hippos can submerge themselves for up to five minutes. Hippos come to the surface to breathe when sleeping.