Zeina Ayache Hippos are large, fascinating herbivorous mammals that have virtually no predators thanks to their size. But the weight of their body does not prevent them from "flying", as shown by a new study that explains what happens when a hippopotamus runs at its maximum speed
The hippopotamus, a large herbivorous mammal, is often depicted as a creature with a bad temper, known for its aggressive nature and lack of natural predators. However, recent scientific discoveries reveal a surprising aspect of this formidable animal, unveiled through video analysis.
I am sure this hidden side will amaze you.
Understanding the hippopotamus
The hippopotamus has earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous animals to humans. They are known to attack when provoked and can be particularly aggressive during territorial disputes. These animals typically weigh around 3,000 pounds (with males weighing approximately 3,300 pounds and females around 2,900 pounds, though they can weigh even more). Despite their large size, hippos can run surprisingly fast, reaching speeds of up to 19 miles per hour.
The Flying hippopotamus
In a fascinating study, scientists John Hutchinson and Emily Pringle analyzed a series of videos capturing hippos running. Using specialized cameras designed for recording motion, they observed several intriguing behaviors:
- Hippos run at high speeds when chased by another male, as a display of dominance.
- They trot, even in water, since they cannot swim.
Most remarkably, the researchers found that when hippos run at full speed, there are moments when all four of their feet are off the ground simultaneously for 0.3 seconds.
While it might not be accurate to say that hippos can fly, it is indeed fascinating to discover that such a heavy animal can momentarily suspend itself in the air while running.
This study, titled “Footfall Patterns and Stride Parameters of Common Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) on Land,” was published in PeerJ.
