Meet the hippopotamus: africa's river giant. Conserving the hippo: protecting an endangered species

На английском языке слово "бегемот" переводится как "hippopotamus". Вот подробное описание этого слова:

Hippopotamus, often shortened to "hippo," is a large, mostly herbivorous mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is known for its massive size, barrel-shaped body, short legs, and large mouth. The word "hippopotamus" is derived from the ancient Greek words "hippos" meaning "horse" and "potamos" meaning "river," which together mean "river horse."

Physically, hippos are among the largest land mammals, with adult males typically weighing between 1,500 and 3,200 kilograms (3,300 to 7,100 pounds), while females are slightly smaller. They have a bulky, thick-skinned body that is well adapted to aquatic life. Their skin is virtually hairless, except for bristles around their mouth and ears. The skin secretes a pinkish oil that acts as a moisturizer and sunscreen.

One of the most distinctive features of hippos is their massive jaw structure, equipped with large canine and incisor teeth, which can grow up to 50 centimeters (20 inches) long. Despite being primarily herbivorous, hippos are considered one of the most aggressive and dangerous animals in Africa, especially when threatened or protecting their territory.

Hippos spend most of their time submerged in water to keep cool and prevent their sensitive skin from drying out. They are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for up to five minutes underwater. Despite their aquatic lifestyle, hippos are not related to other marine mammals like whales or dolphins.

In terms of behavior, hippos are generally solitary animals, although they can be found in groups called "pods" or "herds" of up to 30 individuals. They are primarily nocturnal, venturing out of the water at night to graze on grass and other vegetation. Despite their massive size, hippos are surprisingly agile on land and can run at speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour (19 miles per hour) over short distances.

Due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict, hippopotamus populations are declining in many parts of Africa, and they are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation efforts are underway to protect their habitats and mitigate conflicts with human activities to ensure the survival of these iconic river-dwelling mammals.