Briefmarken des Themas Flusspferde

The word hippopotamus comes from the ancient Greek for "river horse". The hippopotamus is one of the largest quadrupeds. They have a stocky shape and short legs. Hippopotamuses are gregarious, living in groups of up to 30 animals; such a group is called a herd . A male hippopotamus is known as a bull, a female a cow, and a baby a calf. The hippopotamus is one of the most aggressive creatures in the world and is often regarded as one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. Hippos are still threatened by habitat loss and are often poached for their meat and ivory canine teeth.