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Hippopotamus
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| Setswana name | Kubu |
| Scientific name | Hippopotamus amphibius |
| Shoulder height | 1,5m |
| mass | 1 000-2 000kg (Bull). 1 000-1 700 kg (Cow) |
| Identification pointers | Large size; barrel-shaped body and short legs; massive head with board muzzle; in water by day. |
Description: Large rotund animal with smooth naked skin, short, stocky legs and a massive, broad-muzzle head. Mouth equipped with an impressive set of tusk-like canines and incisors. Short, flattened tail is tipped with a tuft of black hair. Body colour greyish-black with pink tinge at the skin folds, around eyes and ears, while underparts are pinkish-grey. Four-toed feet leave a characteristic track.
Habitat: Hippo occurs in the Okavango River and its swamp delta, the Chobe, Boteti and Limpopo rivers. In the Okavango delta they are distributed throughout the northern parts, but may reach far south in seasons of high flood.
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Behaviour: This semi-aquatic mammal spends much of the day lying in water; it emerges at night to move to feeding-ground. It also lies up on sand-or mud-banks in the sun, particularly during the winter months. Although it normally occurs in herds or schools of 10-15 animals, larger groups and solitary bulls are not uncommon. Schools are usually composed of cows and young of various ages with a dominant bull in overall control.
The territories are narrow in the water but broaden out towards the feeding-grounds. Dominant bulls mark their territories by scattering dung with vigorous sideways flicking of the tail on top rocks, bushes and other objects. Territories are apparently strongest closer to the water but virtually absent in the feeding-grounds. Fixed pathways are used and these characterized by a "double" trail-each one made by the feet of one side. Exceptionally, up to 30km may be traveled to feeding areas, depending on the availability of food. An adult hippopotamus can remain under water for up to six minutes.
Skin glands secrete a reddish fluid, which is frequently mistaken for blood but, probably, acts as a skin lubricant and moisturizer. The hippopotamus is extremely vocal and its roaring grunts and snorts constitute one of the typical sounds of Africa. Provoked, it can be extremely dangerous, particularly solitary cows with calves.
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Food: The hippopotamus is a selective grazer and eats grass only. In areas with high populations considerable damage can be done to grazing areas near water.
Reproduction: Mating takes place in the water, and after a gestation period of between 225-257 days, a single calf weighing between 25-55kg (usually about 30kg) is born. The cow gives birth on land in dense cover and she and the calf remain separated from the school for several months. The calves may be produced at any time of the year but there is some evidence of seasonal peaks.
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