Hippos are very social animals, and can often be seen lounging in and around the water in large groups.There are actually a number of collective nouns used when referring to a group of hippos. A herd of hippos is known as a crash, bloat, school, or pod.The word used to describe a group of animals is usually related to their physical or behavioral characteristics in one way or the other. For example, the word used for a group of lions is a pride, zebras are called a dazzle, and giraffes are called a tower. The term used for a group of animals somehow relates to the animals in question, as well as provides fun wordplay which makes them memorable. To learn more about how a group of hippos lives, read on!If you enjoy this article, do check out our other pages on how fast can a hippo run and are hippos omnivores.How long after a hippo gives birth does she show them in the group?Female hippos often give birth underwater in order to ensure an easier birth on the mother, as well as to protect both mother and baby from any impending attacks while they are in a vulnerable state.When calves are born, female hippos leave the herd for a little time to bond with their babies in the water. They suckle on their mother’s milk during this time, growing bit by bit. After a few weeks, normally between 10-14 days, they are finally comfortable enough to leave the water and start feeding on grass, at which time both mothers and calves rejoin the herd, which is also known as a crash, bloat, school, or pod. This also means that the calf has spent enough time with its mother to imprint on her.What animal group does a hippo belong to?Hippos are mammals, meaning that these animals give birth to live young. Young hippos are then nurtured by their mother’s milk until they are able to eat solid food.Hippos usually mate during the dry season in Africa. This specific time of the year is chosen so that calves are born during the rainy season, during which food will be easily available. A proper food supply is necessary for the mothers to be healthy enough to provide milk to their babies, and summers in Africa are often marred by food shortages due to extreme heat and the drying up of grass and other vegetation.Hippos have a gestation period of around eight months, which is only slightly shorter than that of humans! After calves are fully developed, hippos give birth to their calves underwater, usually during the peak of the wet season. One calf is born per season to a female.What are the benefits that a group provides to a hippo?Though hippos are quite large animals, they still face the danger of being attacked by apex predators. Being herbivores, hippos do not go after other creatures, which means that they are seen as prey by animals such as hyenas, lions, and crocodiles. They especially face crocodile attacks while they are in the water, which is why it is crucial to stay in groups so that lone hippos are not dragged off by these powerful reptiles.The dominant hippo often takes the lead in any dangerous situation and fights off intruders with its mighty tusks. Male hippos bellow together to scare off any predators and protect calves.Though hippos are herbivorous, they are still quite terrifying. Their huge stature makes them a force to reckon with, and they can be very aggressive at times. Though they can easily fend off attacks from smaller carnivores (and even lone humans) using their powerful jaws and teeth, it may be difficult for them to hold their own against larger predators, which is why it is much safer for them to travel in groups.Does a group include male and female hippos?Hippos live in groups, but does that include both males and females? Read on to find out!Yes, hippo herds contain several males as well as females, including their calves. They may not necessarily be related to each other. Hippopotamuses are semi-aquatic creatures and can often be seen lounging around river banks, lakes, or swamps, as they need to submerge themselves for at least 16 hours a day in order to protect themselves from the harsh African sun. These areas are defended by the males of the herd, led by the dominant male.Are hippos social?We already know that hippos live in groups. Let’s take a more detailed look at their social lives.Yes, hippos are quite social, and can often be found in groups of 10-30 individuals. They can even be seen in larger groups, and one pod can contain up to 200 hippos at a time!What are the social dynamics within a hippo group?Though a single bloat may contain both males and females, there is usually a head hippo in charge. The dominant male often mates with all the females in the herd, though a few male hippos may be allowed mating rights by him occasionally. The dominant males keep intruders out of their territory by flinging dung at them with their fan-shaped tails! This position is often assumed by the strongest male hippo in the group.When rival males meet, they may engage in combat in order to win the rights of the dominant male of the herd. They stand nose to nose and open their mouths wide in order to size each other up and intimidate the other male. They fight using their tusks and heads, bellowing loudly the whole time. These bouts are often very aggressive and can lead to severe injury or even the death of the losing male.During the dry season, which is the mating season (timed so that the calves are born during a time of abundant food supply), the dominant hippos will choose a mate for themselves, leaving the other males fighting over the remaining females. The dominant hippo is still able to mate with any female after this has transpired.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for ‘What is a group of hippos called?’ then why not take a look at ‘How long can hippos hold their breath?’ or ‘Hippo facts’.
Hippos are very social animals, and can often be seen lounging in and around the water in large groups.
