However, a 2015 study by the Mammal Review shows hippos “occasionally” feed on animal carcasses, a more omnivorous behavior. Hippos are known to attack and eat animals like wildebeests, zebras and kudus, as well as other hippos in cases of cannibalism, according to AZ Animals. They also steal meat from other predators.
Now, however, researchers demonstrate that carnivory, or eating meat, is not uncommon among hippos at all, and that this behavior may increase their susceptibility to mass mortality during anthrax outbreaks. People often think hippos are herbivores with big smiling faces.
These huge herbivores are known for their enormous teeth, aggressive nature, and the myth that they sweat blood. Here's what you need to know about one of Africa's most dangerous animals.
Hippos (though rarely) have been depicted eating carrion, usually near water. There are other reports on meat-eating, and even narcissism and prophecy. However, it is to say, Hippo's stomach anatomy is not compatible with carnivorous and eating meat is most likely due to unhealthy behavior or nutritional stress.
Let's take the case of the hippo first. These iconic African animals are described in most textbooks as strict herbivores, who only use their large tusks and teeth for display and territorial fights. However, the rotund vegetarians have been seen consuming animal carcasses, including other hippos.
Though it's rare, animals will eat their own kind when resources are scarce. There's a new meaning to hungry, hungry hippos: Scientists have documented one of the first instances of cannibalism in the hippopotamus.
Hippos are aggressive because they will readily defend their territory, both in and out of the water. They will attack and capsize boats and will not tolerate humans getting between them and the water. Females are particularly defensive and aggressive if anyone gets between them and their young.
The pairing is unusual because normally, crocodiles eat hippo calves, and hippos will usually only play within their species. The unlikely match doesn't last too long. The croc gets its way when a herd of elephants come along and chase the hippo away.
"Lions can kill anything—there are famous areas in Africa where the prides are large and get used to taking down elephants. [But] it still is pretty rare" for the cats to take on hippos, said Luke Hunter, president of the wild cat conservation group Panthera.
The hippopotamus is a very aggressive wild creature and is the deadliest large land mammal on the planet. It is estimated that hippo attacks kill 500 people each year in Africa. It is not only their size and weight that makes them dangerous, but also their very sharp teeth!
Hippos do not eat humans, but they will attack people who infringe on their territory. While on land, hippos are not territorial, but they are territorial in water.
In the unpredictable African wilderness, hippos face many perils, such as disease and drought. A full-grown adult doesn't have much in the way of natural predators. Lions have been known to take down hippos, but it depends upon how many lions, the age of the hippo, and how far it is from the water.
The tilapia in Hippo Cove serve multiple purposes. They help to keep the water clean by eating the hippo dung and they also eat the dead skin off of the hippos which keep them clean and free of micro-organisms. This is referred to as a symbiotic relationship.
Giraffes are herbivores and have a plant-based diet. The leaves of the acacia and mimosa tree are their favorite food but they will also eat other leaves, seeds, buds, branches of trees, and occasionally grass.
Nile crocodiles, lions, and spotted hyenas are known to prey on young hippos. Beyond these, adult hippos are not usually preyed upon by other animals due to their aggression and size. Cases where large lion prides have successfully preyed on adult hippos have been reported, but it is generally rare.
If there is one animal that could bring down a full-grown hippo in a fight, it is an adult elephant. Elephants have the size and strength advantage over the hippo, and their tusks give them superior reach.
Even if a swimming tiger catches up with a hippo, it'll have a tough time winning the fight. Hippos have thick, strong skin that protects them from predators. Plus, their massive body makes them almost impossible to take down. Hippos have the most powerful jaws in the animal kingdom with a bite force of 1,800 psi.
If the fight takes place in an open area, then the rhino would likely win due to its greater speed and agility. However, if the fight takes place in water, then the hippo would likely have the advantage due to its greater strength and jaw power.
Therefore, crocodiles are predators and hippos are effectively prey so how come they lie next to each other in peace around a waterhole? The reality is that given half a chance a crocodile would attack and feed on a hippo but they do not because of just how dangerous a hippo can be.
You can't outrun a hippo, but you must get out of their space. If the hippo gets ahold of you, the odds of surviving are slim. That's why the best thing you can do is get as far away as possible. So, when a hippo charges you, don't stop moving until you're somewhere safe.
The reason is simple: hippos see humans as a threat to their environment, and in many cases this is true. You should also remember that hippos are very territorial animals in the water. As such, if a human tries to stray into his territory, he will be able to see the aggressive side of this large mammal.
Nile Crocodile
While an adult hippo is too large for a single crocodile to take down, a group of crocodiles can sometimes work together to kill a fully grown hippo. However, the most vulnerable time for a hippo is when it is a cub.