The Hippopotamus amphibius is one of the largest land mammals, with adults weighing over 3,000 pounds. These animals are semiaquatic, meaning they spend significant time in water. Hippos are highly social creatures, gathering in groups during the day before they disperse to graze at night.
The Collective Nouns for Hippos
The most commonly cited term for a group of hippos is “a bloat of hippos.” This unusual collective noun is thought to reference the hippo’s large, rounded, or “bloated” appearance.
While “bloat” is popular, several other terms are also recognized. “A pod of hippos” is frequently used, particularly for smaller family units in the water. Acceptable alternatives include “a herd of hippos” and “a school of hippos,” with “herd” being a generic term for grazing animals. Less common is the term “a crash of hippos,” which may relate to their large size.
Social Dynamics within the Group
Hippo groups, which can range from 10 to 30 individuals, are organized around a strict social structure. A single dominant male, or bull, controls a specific stretch of water and the associated females and young within it. This male fiercely defends his territory against rival bulls, often engaging in aggressive displays that include jaw-clashing and vocalizations.
The primary members of the group are the females, known as cows, and their calves. The females are the leaders within the resting pools, and their grouping behavior offers strength in numbers for defense against predators like lions and crocodiles. They group together during daylight hours mainly for thermoregulation and safety, before separating and moving out alone to graze once night falls. Young males are tolerated only if they remain submissive, otherwise they are driven out to form bachelor groups.
The Hippo’s Aquatic Habitat
Hippos are dependent on permanent water sources like rivers, lakes, and swamps throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. They spend up to 16 hours a day submerged to keep their massive bodies cool and moist. The water must be deep enough for them to fully submerge, with only their eyes, ears, and nostrils exposed.
As dusk approaches, the hippos leave the water and disperse individually onto land to feed on grasses, which is a largely solitary activity. They typically follow well-worn paths to their grazing areas, sometimes traveling several kilometers before returning to the safety of the water before dawn.