In a clash between a lion and a hippo, the lion finds itself in a predicament! It may have messed with the wrong hippo…
Read to the end to watch the video!
Lion Versus Hippo
Lions. Image by Brianna R via Unsplash
The lion, the king of the jungle, relies on its speed, agility, and hunting prowess. Whereas, on the other hand, there is the hippo, a seemingly placid being in the water. The hippo has incredible strength, powerful jaws, and territorial instincts that make it one of the world’s most dangerous creatures!
Lions and hippos are iconic species in the African ecosystem. Each of them has unique characteristics that define their roles in the wild.
Lion Characteristics
Image by Glen Carrie via Unsplash
Apex Predator:
Lion via Depositphotos.
Lions are apex predators, they have exceptional hunting skills and cooperative behavior within their prides.
Carnivorous Diet:
Lion via Depositphotos.
Lions feed on herbivores. They hunt in groups to take down larger prey. Such as wildebeests and zebras.
Agile and Fast:
Lion via Depositphotos.
Lions are agile and capable of reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour (56 km/h) in short bursts!
Social Structure:
Lion via Depositphotos.
Lions exhibit a social structure within prides. This structure consists of multiple females, cubs, and one or more dominant males.
Territorial:
Lion via Depositphotos.
Lions establish territories that they defend against intruders. This may also lead to fights with rival prides and predators.
Hippopotamus Characteristics
Image via Depositphotos
Herbivorous Diet:
Hippopotamus in Chobe National Park. Image via Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Hippos are herbivores. They graze on grasses and other vegetation.
Semi-Aquatic:
Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) with a Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), Chobe National Park, Botswana. Image via Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74486424
While hippos spend much of their time in water to stay cool, they are not proficient swimmers. They do move quickly through the water though.
Territorial and Aggressive:
Hippo peeping above water. Image by Designerpoint via Pixabay
Hippos are highly territorial. They are aggressive. Especially when they feel their space is threatened! They are responsible for more human deaths in Africa than many other large animals.
Powerful Jaws:
Hippo and its young. Image by Christels via Pixabay
Hippos have powerful jaws with large canine and incisor teeth. These jaws are capable of inflicting serious damage!
Solitary or Group Living:
Despite possessing formidable dentition, the hippopotamus relies solely on vegetation for sustenance. Image Hbieser via Pixabay
Hippos can be solitary or live in small groups. They often form groups in water, and these groups can be led by a dominant male.
Video
Lion Messed with the Wrong Hippo…It Pays It’s Life. Source: Youtube, Uploaded: Natures Best
Author at Animals Around The Globe. BSc Media Studies
Kiah is a Capetonian, fascinated by how each animal plays a significant part within our ecosystem, forming a bubble of life. As a nature lover and wave chaser, she finds solace in the waves and serenity in the great outdoors.
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