Hippopotamus

The hippopotamus is a large, mostly herbivorous mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa, spending much of the day submerged in rivers and lakes to keep its bulky body cool, with eyes, ears and nostrils positioned high on its head so it can remain mostly underwater while still sensing its surroundings. Despite its barrel-shaped body and short legs, the hippo is a capable and aggressive animal on land, where it grazes on grasses at night, and it is considered one of the most dangerous large animals in Africa due to its territorial aggression, particularly in water. Hippos live in groups centered on water bodies, and the species is classified as vulnerable, with populations declining because of habitat loss and hunting for meat and ivory-like teeth.