PATROLLING HIPPO
I captured this photo from Al Ain Zoo, Abudhabi U.A.E.. Different from all other large land mammals, hippos are of semi aquatic habits, spending the day in lakes and rivers.
They can be found in both savannah and forest areas. Proper habitat requires enough water to submerge in and grass nearby.
Larger densities of the animals inhabit quiet waters with mostly firm, smooth sloping beaches.
Males may be found in very small numbers in rapid waters in rocky gorges.
Hippo mostly live in freshwater habitats, however populations in West Africa mostly inhabit estuarine waters and may even be found at sea.
With the exception of eating, most of hippopotamuses' lives – from fighting with other hippos, mating, to parturition – occurs in the water.
Hippos leave the water at dusk and travel inland, sometimes up to 10 km (6 mi),[26] to graze on short grasses, their main source of food.
ARUN THARAKAN, India, kerala
