Hippopotamus Smiling Underwater
by Peggy Franz
Title
Hippopotamus Smiling Underwater
Artist
Peggy Franz
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The hippopotamus is semi-aquatic, inhabiting rivers, lakes and mangrove swamps, where territorial bulls preside over a stretch of river and groups of 5 to 30 females and young. During the day, they remain cool by staying in the water or mud; reproduction and childbirth both occur in water. They emerge at dusk to graze on grass. While hippopotamuses rest near each other in the water, grazing is a solitary activity and hippos are not territorial on land. Hippos are recognizable by their barrel-shaped torso, enormous mouth and teeth, nearly hairless body, stubby legs and tremendous size. It is the third largest land mammal by weight (between 1� and 3 tonnes), behind the white rhinoceros (1� to 3� tonnes) and the three species of elephant (3 to 9 tonnes). The hippopotamus is one of the largest quadrupeds and, despite its stocky shape and short legs, it can easily outrun a human. Hippos have been clocked at 30 km/h (19 mph) over short distances. 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. They are still threatened by habitat loss and poaching for their meat and ivory canine teeth.
Uploaded
November 11th, 2012
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Viewed 1,487 Times - Last Visitor from Cambridge, MA on 04/23/2024 at 11:17 AM
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Comments (62)
Kym Backland
This is so cute! What a great image! I don't think I have ever seen a HIPPOS' EYE in this light before! Are they really blue in person? What great detail you captured... On another note, thanks for your visits and features for me... Anyways... I like the little rainbow you captured over on his neck... FVG+
Guy Ricketts
He has a very contagious smile, Peggy. If one ever runs into him in the wild, THAT is the expression to hope for. Wonderful capture :)) vf
Ann Johndro-Collins
Best closeup image of a hippo ever, Peggy...just love his expression! Super details and lighting. V/F
JOHN TELFER
Peggy, Fantastic capture of this Hippopotamus under water. The details are amazing and the clarity of the shot is great. Love the rough looking details in the hippo's face and the way you have captured his eye looking around. Remarkable capture along with a great write up in the description box making for some very interesting reading. Excellent photo, voted, google, tweet, and FB promoted
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