"Fearsome, yes. But fragile, too. The hippopotamus is built like a tank, runs far faster than a man, and defends its territory with massive, razor-sharp tusks. Yet the enormous herbivore has a sensitive side; it spends all day in the water to prevent its thin skin from drying out, and secretes an oily reddish-pink substance to protect it from sunburn. It is also the linchpin in a finely balanced wetland ecosystem: if the hippopotamus and its natural fertilizers are removed, local fish populations crash. Facing both habitat loss and poaching for meat and tusks, the hippopotamus is disappearing from its former range on a frighteningly large scale.
As we see it, we can help make the world a better place. Raising awareness of endangered species is just one of the ways we at Canon are taking action - for the good of the planet we call home. Visit canon.com/environment to learn more."
[-Canon Camera]
Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibus)
Size: Body length, 118.1-212.6 inches; shoulder height, 51.2-65 inches; tail, approx. 22 inches Weight: 1,444-7,055 lbs. Habitat: Found in most major rivers in sub-Saharan Africa; requires a permanent supply of water near large grazing areas Surviving number: Estimated at 125,000-148,000
