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Hippopotamuses are found in river regions across Africa. Mature bulls defend mating territories that are typically home to around 20 individuals, including females, their offspring, and occasionally subordinate non-breeding males. During the day, hippopotamuses remain in the water, emerging at night to graze. After a gestation period of approximately 8.5 months, females give birth to a single calf, usually in the water. Young hippos reach sexual maturity around eight years of age, with males maturing slightly earlier than females. The main threats to hippo populations include illegal hunting for their meat and the ivory in their canine teeth, as well as habitat loss driven by the increased use of river areas for human activities. Hippopotamuses are highly protective of their territory and calves, and they react aggressively to disturbances, posing a danger even to people in the vicinity.
