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Hippopotamus amphibus Once numerous in all African rivers
and streams with deep water, the hippo is now largely restricted to natural
parks and wildlife refuges. While hippos are found throughout the Okavango
Delta their numbers are lower than popularly expected. This is attributed
to previous hunting practices and the lack of grazing in the watery nothern
sections of the Okavango Delta. This huge animal averages between 1,100-1,400
kg and can weigh as much as 3,200 kg. Its body is so sparsely covered
by hair that it appears naked. On its skin are pores which exude droplets
of moisture containing red pigment. As light is reflected through these
droplets they appear red, giving rise to the statement that hippos “sweat
blood.”
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