Hippopotamus
by Eva Lechner
Title
Hippopotamus
Artist
Eva Lechner
Medium
Photograph - Photograph/artistic Photography
Description
The hippopotamus ( Hippopotamus amphibius), also called the common hippopotamus is a large, mostly herbivorous, semiaquatic mammal and ungulate native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis). The name comes from the ancient Greek for "river horse" (ἱπποπόταμος). After the elephant and rhinoceros, both of which are found in Africa, the hippopotamus is the third-largest type of land mammal and the heaviest extant artiodactyl. Despite their physical resemblance to pigs and other terrestrial even-toed ungulates, the closest living relatives of the Hippopotamidae are cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises, etc.) from which they diverged about 55 million years ago.
Hippos are recognisable by their barrel-shaped torsos, wide-opening mouths revealing large canine tusks, nearly hairless bodies, columnar legs and large size; adults average 1,500 kg (3,310 lb) and 1,300 kg (2,870 lb) for males and females respectively. Despite its stocky shape and short legs, it is capable of running 30 km/h (19 mph) over short distances.
Hippos inhabit rivers, lakes, and mangrove swamps, where territorial males preside over a stretch of river and groups of five to thirty females and young hippos. 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 grasses. While hippos rest near each other in the water, grazing is a solitary activity and hippos are not territorial on land. The hippo is among the most dangerous animals in the world as it is highly aggressive and unpredictable. They are threatened by habitat loss and poaching for their meat and ivory canine teeth.
A wildlife close-up taken on a safari in South Africa(Canon 5 D Mark III,400mm) ,painted background
Uploaded
May 17th, 2020
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Viewed 532 Times - Last Visitor from Wilmington, DE on 04/23/2024 at 7:57 AM
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Comments (13)
Gary F Richards
Excellent composition, lighting, shading, color and artwork! F/L voted for this piece in the contest ANIMALS WITH OPEN MOUTH
Luther Fine Art
Congratulations! Your fantastic photographic art has been chosen as a Camera Art Group feature! You are invited to archive your work in the feature archives discussion in the Camera Art Group.
Michael Durst
Great work of art...love the subjects, of course, but the background is also outstanding!
Michael Durst
Great work of art...love the subjects, of course, but the background is also outstanding!
Viv Thompson
Love what you've done Eva. A wonderful capture and further improved by the backdrop you have added.