Hippos, despite their size and shape, are fast. Hippos are faster despite their size and shape. Most likely, the eating of corpse is the result of some violation of health or deficiency of basic nutrition, because the digestive system in these animals is not suitable for processing meat. Usually they catch other animals and people by surprise. That’s a lot of weight but they move it quickly. Then it will sink and walk some more. And their roly-poly frames are topped by an incredible set of sharp teeth. With powerful jaws and banana length-or-longer teeth, a hippo is one of the most dangerous mammals in the world. Hippos are faster despite their size and shape. A hippo can move at speeds of around 30 km / h although they usually trot. They grow to between 10.8 and 16.5 feet (3.3 to 5 meters) long and up to 5.2 feet (1.6 m) tall at the shoulder. These animals can weigh as much as 10,000 pounds. Enter your email for your weekly dose of ‘wild Africa’ directly to your inbox. A group of hippos is usually called a bloat, pod, or herd. What noise does a hippo make? They are very territorial animals and will charge at anyone who stands between them and the water. Hippos have been clocked at 30 km/h (19 mph) over short distances. With this in mind, they are said to be able to run along the bottom underwater at a speed of about 5 mph. Their carnivorous ways, Dudley thinks, have simply been overlooked. The average hippo is going to outrun the average human on any given day. Hippos move easily in water, either swimming by kicking their hind legs or walking on the bottom. Spending the day in the water, they are protected from the sun and stay cool. The inability to easily tell whether a particular animal is male or female makes it difficult for researchers in the field to investigate the social life of a lounging herd of hippos. Hippos don’t have amazing stamina. For such giant animals they can move in the water quite well and can hold their breath for up to five minutes. They also walk along the bottom of the riverbed or seabed. (1,600 to 4,500 kg), according to the San Diego Zoo. Hippos can run faster than humans on land, and swim faster than humans in water. Hippopotamus Lifespan – What does a Hippo do to Survive. Indeed, Hippos are also acknowledged as one of the fast runners on the ground. Sometimes they find shallow spots to bathe. Hippo have barrel-shaped bodies with short legs and long muzzles. Despite the fact that hippos are so deadly to human, humans are the ones causing hippos to fast disappear as a species. Still another opinion comes from Richard Sowers, who researched the subject while writing his recently released book The common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), or hippo is a large semi-aquatic mammal that is found wallowing in the rivers and lakes across sub-Saharan Africa.. 6) Despite their enormous size, hippos are great swimmers … These animals are incredibly difficult to study in the wild and less than 2500 remain.Africa Freak went on a mission to discover these incredible animals on the brink of extinction from the wild. Hippos can easily outrun and are known to be quite aggressive toward humans. Hippopotamuses can swim at a speed of 8 kilometers per hour under water. Although the speed of the hippo may differ between sources, The hippos can run 19-30 miles or 30-48 km per hour. Instead, they walk underwater. An average weight adult … A hippo can walk 8 kilometers per hour under water (5 miles). No matter the size, usually the group is led by a dominant male. Charging Hippo. Are hippos fast? Hippos are cantankerous animals. They can only run at 30 km / h for about half a minute, probably less. Hippos tend to grunt, growl and moan, but can also make a roaring ‘chuffing’ s0und. A common misconception about hippos is that that are good swimmers. You cannot overtake them; They were stuck at 30-40km / h (19-25mph). They are nocturnal animals. At night, hippos come out of the water and feed off of grass. #1 They are referred to as the Hippo because too many people can’t spell their real name correctly! Fiona the Hippo – Now with 3 Year Highlight in 2020. Posted by Editorial Team | Interests, Wildlife | 0. A hippo can walk at 8 km/h underwater (5 mph). Hippos sink to the bottom of the water and then move by walking, trotting, jogging or running. It is the second heaviest land animal after the elephant. They are unable to jump but climb steep shores. Dominant male has the right to mate with all adult females in his herd, although he sometimes allows subordinate males in and around his territory to mate. Their gait is like a gallop although they don’t lift all four feet off the ground at once. In just one night, they can guzzle down up to 35kg of their favourite grub! The hippopotamus is one of the most aggressive creatures in the world and is often regarded as one of the most dangerous … A hippo can reach top speed in seconds. Hippos can run really fast despite their great weight. The common hippopotamus, or hippo, is a large, mostly herbivorous, semi-mammalian mammal and adult hippos moving at 8 km / h (5 mi) in water; Usually every three to five minutes, the breath is cleansed again. Children learn about them from an early age. Hippos are the third largest land animal, after elephants and white rhinos. So they will chase other animals and people away, then maul and bite to ensure they don’t return. How Fast Can Hippos Run? They are initially faster, but a well- trained human can outrun them over a long distance. Your email address will not be published. Scientists take a closer look at nature’s most misunderstood ‘muses Which means they can catch you, and their mouths contain teeth that can grow over one inch long. And their roly-poly frames are topped by an incredible set of sharp teeth. So despite being the third largest land mammal on earth, hippos can probably run faster than you! Despite their huge volume, hippos can run faster than humans – up to 30 miles per hour! Put them in water and that drops to around 5 mph, which is faster than a person walking on land, equal to about a light jog (for most people). They are herbivores, and eat mostly grass – and boy do they eat grass! We're all about safari and celebrating wild Africa. The only other living hippo species is the pygmy hippopotamus. There’s always another race to enjoy when you’re on an African safari, whether it’s elephants blowing their trumpets after Cape buffalo or cheetah chasing down Thomson’s gazelle. It’s a lot of weight but they remove it quickly. These giants can’t even jump. 9xInfinity commented 4 days ago Their main threats include habitat loss and poaching, due to the value of their meat and ivory canines. Your email address will not be published. Although they have webbed feet, Hippos are not very good swimmers and they can’t float. A hippo can reach top speed in just a couple of seconds. Did you know that hippos can’t actually swim? Hippos can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. https://www.ugandasafariexperts.com/blog/39-interesting-facts-about-hippos On land, hippos can run at speeds of 18-31 miles per hour, though they can only sustain this speed over short distances; in water, hippos can move at about 5 miles per hour. They are very territorial animals and will charge at anyone who stands between them and the water.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'africafreak_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_6',145,'0','0'])); These moody animals aren’t like the preconceptions of happy hippos. If a hippo is forced to occupy shallow water due to drought or territorial disputes with other hippos, it will feel vulnerable and lash out with little provocation. Despite their massive bulk, hippos can run faster than humans -- up to 30 miles per hour! However, despite the huge weight (up to 4,500 kg) and apparent sluggishness, this representative of the group of cloven-hoofed animals is able to develop a running speed of up to 48 km / h. At night, hippos come out of the water and feed off of grass. (1,400 kilograms), while males weigh 3,500 to 9,920 lbs. The hippo’s closest living relatives are whales and porpoises! Fun Facts About the Hippopotamus. To learn more about hippos, keep reading—but keep your distance, just in case! Faster Than Usain Bolt. They are much faster – and more dangerous in water. Scientists take a closer look at nature’s most misunderstood ‘muses Every year they kill some 500-3000 people!eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'africafreak_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_9',146,'0','0'])); Hippos only accelerate to 30 km/h on flat ground. Are hippos cuddly, supersize herbivores or giant, cannibalistic killing-machines? (However, calves are buoyant). Made for Water. Hippos can run really fast despite their great weight. In water, it is a slightly different story. There are only two species of hippos in existence, the common and the pygmy hippopotamus.The name "hippopotamus" comes from the Greek word hippopotamos, meaning horse of the river.. Out of all the names that can be given to a hippopotamus, however, "pig" or "buffalo" of the river may have been more adequate. The charging speed is dependent on the individual as well as the situation defining the reason for the chase. Hippo Speed – Do Hippos Run Faster than Humans? Though it might not look this way, hippos are extremely fast and aggressive animals. How does a hippo swim so fast? How fast can hippos swim? Hippos are faster despite their size and shape. The charging speed is dependent on the individual as well as the situation defining the reason for the chase. But the hippo is more closely related to the pig than the horse. Still another opinion comes from Richard Sowers, who researched the subject while writing his recently released book "The Abstract Primer of Thoroughbred Racing." No. And a hippo will attack anything it feels threatened by: crocodiles, other hippos, even people. A hippo can gallop up to a speed of 30 km/h on land although they typically trot. So despite being the third largest land mammal on earth, hippos can probably run faster than you! The name hippopotamus comes from the Greek "hippos," meaning horse, these animals were once called "river horses." They don’t usually need to bite. A female hippo and her calf #2 The word Hippopotamus comes from the Greek and it means River (potamos) Horse (hippos). Despite having semiaquatic and webbed legs, an adult hippo is not a particularly good swimmer and cannot float. Females are more "delicate," topping out around 3,000 pounds. Hippos tread these familiar paths every night for five to six hours, pulling grass up with their lips and tearing it with their teeth before swallowing, rather than chewing. As we talking about semantics, a baby hippo is a calf, a male is a bull and a female a caw. Every few minutes it will surface in order to breathe. These huge animals can be seen in the slow-moving rivers and lakes of Africa. Hippos kill more people than any other African mammal. The best way to get away from the hippo is to walk away from the water, Your email address will not be published. Hippos can easily outrun and are known to be quite aggressive toward humans. Hippo guide: species facts and the best places to see in the wild. Best Time to Go to Havasu Falls with Right Plan, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Guide, Trip to Smoky Mountains – Reviews | Road | Guide | Vacation, Smoky Mountains Trip – Plan | Itinerary | Travel Guide, Yellowstone Backpacking Trips – Plan | Guide | Weather, Skunk Harbor Lake Tahoe – Direction | Travel | Trail. This ferocious bite is good defence and means that even baby hippos aren’t on the dinner menu for big cats. Instead, they walk underwater. And because so many people view hippos as these cute and cuddly giants, it often means people aren’t as careful when they are around the animals, and get closer than they should. Their skeletal structures are graviportal, adapted to carrying their enormous weight, and their specific gravity allows them to sink and move along the bottom of a river. Put them in water and that drops to around 5 mph, which is faster than a person walking on land, equal to about a light jog (for most people). Avoid hippos in shallow water. They are surprisingly fast and can walk farther than you might expect. Although they are semi-aquatic animals and webbed legs, hippos are too heavy for swimming. Found only in sub-Saharan Africa, a hippo in the wild can be almost as dangerous (and unpredictable) as a tiger or hyena. It’s a lot of weight but they remove it quickly. While hippos appear to be fat and slow, they can run at 30 km/h on land (19 mph). 1 Questions & Answers Place. It is even more astonishing to learn that hippos cannot even float. Why are hippos so fat? The mountains and the opals really slow them down. Not only do hippos defend their territory, they can be very aggressive in doing so. Find out more about hippos in our expert guide, including species facts and where to … The best way to get away from a hippo is to run uphill, away from the water. Hills and slopes really slow them down. It’s even more amazing to learn that hippos can’t even float. Hippos seem to be fat and slow, they can run up to 30 km / h on the ground floor (19 miles). The hippo moves slowly and purposely in water and is rarely seen in deep water. © 2020 Africa Freak | All Rights Reserved, Lake Naivasha – One of Africa’s best-kept secrets. Hippopotamuses are often seen basking on the banks or sleeping in the waters of rivers, lakes, and swamps next to grasslands.Because of their great size and aquatic habits, they are safe from most predators but human beings, who have long valued their hide, meat, and ivory and at times have … Hippopotamus is Greek for “river horse,” and the animal has been known since ancient times. Not only that, but they are unpredictable and quite stealth as well. Given their short, stubby legs and exceptional girth, it seems remarkable that hippos have been clocked running on land at 18 miles an hour over short distances and walk an average of six miles per night in search of food. Hippos are not carnivores, they are herbivore animals. Hippos are mostly active at night, which means their meals, meat or otherwise, usually go unseen by humans. However, the speed at which the animal can move may be a easy way to access the situation. A male hippo, though, looks pretty much exactly like a female hippo, except that males are 10 percent heavier than females. At other times they bob up and down, staying away from the sun. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. These moody animals do not like the preconceived notions of Happy Hippo. Find answers now! We even did articles on how fast can a hippo run, and the sounds that hippos make!But what about pygmy hippos? Learn how your comment data is processed. They’re round, but not fat. Other times they stay away from the sun and go up.Hippos does not have amazing stamina. Editorial Team at Africa Freak is a group of expert Africa writers and influencers. How fast can a hippo run? Hippos spend up to 16 hours a day submerged in rivers and lakes to keep their massive bodies cool under the hot African sun. Sometimes, their young fall victim to adult hippos’ tempers. A hippo can match the speed of a human on land, but only for short distances. Because the weight of hippopotamus is at least 1500 kg, it is considered a difficulty to swim underwater with no natural gills.
Sowers has found that sprinters are getting faster, while routers are not. The hippo is considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa and it is highly aggressive, particularly if you get between it and the water. Sometimes they find shallow spots for bathing. Then it will sink in and walk a bit further. For feeding they come out of the reservoir and work their way to the places of fattening along paths traced by relatives. Usually they surprise other animals and people. A hippo can move at speeds of around 30 km / h although they usually trot. Usually the hippopotamus moves slowly, alternately rearranging the legs, in some cases moving to a leisurely lynx. Other times they stay away from the sun and go up. Hippos spend most of their day in water close to shore lying on their bellies. The average female weighs around 3,000 lbs. Although breeding can occur year round, it is most common between February and August. The hippopotamus is an even-toed ungulate mammal. However, the speed at which the animal can move may be a easy way to access the situation. Their canine teeth (sharp teeth) are used for fighting. The truth is that hippos don’t actually swim at all, they simply run along the bottom and kind of glide. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They don't, but it looks like they do, thanks to a red moisturizer their bodies secrete. Your email address will not be published. Male hippos can weigh up to four tons (4000 kg). Hippos aren’t the first creatures that come to mind when we think of vulnerable or endangered animals, but they do desperately need support from conservationists. Are hippos cuddly, supersize herbivores or giant, cannibalistic killing-machines? They can open their mouth at an 180 degree angle and can literally snap a person in half! The pygmy hippo is a solitary creature living in the swamps and dense forests of … Male hippos can weigh more than 6,000 pounds. Once on land, Hippos can run very fast, much faster than the average human. Angry hippo chases after speedboat at incredible speed. Hippos can swim at a speed of 8 kilometers per hour underwater. Hippos are widely celebrated. On land, hippos can run at speeds of 18-31 miles per hour, though they can only sustain this speed over short distances; in water, hippos can move at about 5 miles per hour. You cannot defeat them; On average, hippos can swim 8 kilometers per hour (5 miles). So how fast can a hippo swim? When 4000 kg runs at 30 km/h there’s not much you can do. Ultimately, hippos are responsible for killing around 3,000 people every year. The name comes from the ancient Greek for “river horse” (ἱπποπόταμος).. Every year they kill about 500-3000 people! Despite their huge volume, hippos can run faster than humans – up to 30 miles per hour! War in the regions that hippos inhabit has also wrecked havoc on hippopotamus populations. Hippos are very rotund animals and are the third largest living land mammals, after elephants and white rhinos, according to Animal Planet. “And they charged. Hippo speed is considerably faster compared to other animal with similar size. Hippos can't swim. These giants also can’t jump. As a defensive tactic, hippos prefer to stick to areas where the water is deep enough for them to fully submerge. Hippos are recognisable by their barrel-shaped torsos, wide-opening mouths revealing large canine tusks, nearly hairless bodies, columnar legs and large size; adults average 1,500 kg (3,310 lb) for males and 1,300 kg (2,870 lb) for females. BEACH BUMS Hippos can be bad tempered; that’s for sure. That’s probably one of the most surprising hippopotamus facts of all. They top out at 30 miles per hour, which is a lot faster than you and I can run. They can only run at 30 km/h for around half a minute, maybe less. Hippo speed is considerably faster compared to other animal with similar size. Hippopotamus habitats are infringed upon by humans, who use their grazing land for farming and also divert water for farming needs. Get ready to meet one of nature’s most powerful animals with our ten facts about the hippopotamus… Hippo Facts. The Fast Facts Study Guide - Hippos “Fast Facts” is a fun, fast paced, informative study, targeting upper elementary to middles school aged children, which looks at … So despite being the third largest land mammals on earth, hippos can probably run faster than you! Over short distances, hippos have been known to run as fast as 30 kilometers per hour. Despite their size which ranges from 5,000 to 8,000 pounds, hippos are remarkably fast and agile. Their round bodies aren’t exactly streamlined. Hippos might look a bit portly and they might waddle just a bit when they walk, but don’t let that fool you. Even then – good luck! Recall how fast the hippo in the YouTube video seemed to be traveling while submerged. The pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis) is a small hippopotamid which is native to the forests and swamps of West Africa, primarily in Liberia, with small populations in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ivory Coast.. Hippopotamus Teeth – What are Hippo Teeth Made of? Just as King Tut. And not only can adult hippos not swim, but they aren’t even buoyant. Bear vs lion – Hypothetical battle of the giants, 11 facts about the klipspringer – Africa’s dancing antelope, Where to view Africa’s endangered wildlife: making your safari count, Murchison Falls National Park visitor’s guide. Finally, poachers kill hippos for their ivory tusks and for sport. Required fields are marked *. These senses are so keen that even submerged in water, the hippo is alert to its surroundings. Hippos spend the day in the water keeping cool and resting. The average person cannot go so fast, 8-10 miles per hour or 13–16 km per hour. Hippopotamus is the third largest living ground mammal after elephants and white rhinoceros. Now that you know how fast a hippo runs, check out some of the other interesting animal speeds. Hippos are graceful in water, good swimmers, and can hold their breath underwater for up to five minutes. Hippo paths are ever-widening circles as far as two miles away from their water home. Male hippos can weigh up to four tons (4000 kg). Hippos are also good on land and are very fast runners. Despite its stocky shape and short legs, it is capable of running 30 km/h (19 mph) over short distances. They are very regional animals and will charge anyone who stands between them and the water. So despite being the third largest land mammals on earth, hippos can probably run faster than you! Hippos are just one part of the wild African “marathon”. 5) Hippos are most active at night, when they forage for food. They like things their way. Hippos kills more people than any other African mammal. In search of food, a giant beast can pass many kilometers. The second largest animal on land after the elephant, the Hippopotamus or hippo is a fascinating species which is most powerful – and dangerous in water. Despite their size which ranges from 5,000 to 8,000 pounds, hippos are remarkably fast and agile. Hippos does not have amazing stamina. Hippos are a very social species, living in groups of about 10 to 100. They are well-adapted to their aquatic life, with small ears, eyes and nostrils set at the top of the head. Once on land, Hippos can run very fast, much faster than the average human. While hippos appear to be fat and slow, they can run at 30 km/h on land (19 mph). By spending their days in the water they escape the sun and stay cool. Another animal that is frequently thought of as “fat” is the manatee. The Fast Facts Study Guide - Hippos “Fast Facts” is a fun, fast paced, informative study, targeting upper elementary to middles school aged children, which looks at the amazing design found in the animal kingdom. Chris Eason/CC-BY 2.0. After elephants, Nile hippos are the largest land animals, weighing up to eight or nine thousand pounds. Related Behavior. Hippopotamus or hippo adapts well to life in water. Fat -- but Fast! And maybe there was a sense internally that there’s nothing I can do so I may as well enjoy the moment! On flat ground, the hippos only accelerate 30 km / h. Their driver is like a gallop, though they won’t lift all four legs off the ground at once. Unlike elephants, however, ... with spurts as fast as 30 miles per hour. To add terror to their cuteness, there's a rumor that hippos sweat blood. But hippos are not related to horses at all—in fact, their closest living relatives may be pigs or whales and dolphins! According to National Geographic, hippos can run as fast as humans for short distances. Hippopotamus amphibious, are much more dangerous in water as they can move at great speed/Credit: Getty Images. Since they spend their lifetime in warm-to-hot locations, they don’t “need” fat in the way that seals, sea-lions, whales and other cold-climate mammals do. Despite their size which ranges from 5,000 to 8,000 pounds, hippos are remarkably fast and agile. Hippos live mainly in water, getting out on land for feeding. Male hippos can weigh up to four tons (4000 kg). Hippos kill more people than any other African mammal. Required fields are marked *. 5. Hippos can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. They are nocturnal animals. 1) Hippos are large semi-aquatic mammals, with a large barrel-shaped body, short legs, a short tail and an enormous head!They have greyish to muddy-brown skin, which fades to a pale pink colour underneath. Hippos are the second-largest land animal -- second only to elephants. Less than one-sixth the size of the common hippo , pygmy hippos are only about 5 feet long, 3 feet tall, and 500 to 600 pounds. In comparison, world record human swimmers top out around 5-5.5 mph, so compared to the average swimmer hippos are Olympic athletes in … In comparison, world record human swimmers top out around 5-5.5 mph, so compared to the average swimmer hippos are Olympic athletes in the water (and on land, actually). Hippopotamus is the third largest living ground mammal after elephants and white rhinoceros. The slow-moving rivers and lakes to keep their massive bulk, hippos can run really fast despite great... Ἱπποπόταμος are hippos fast.. every year they kill about 500-3000 people can be very aggressive doing! And people by surprise paths are ever-widening circles as far as two miles are hippos fast from sun. They move it quickly is considered a difficulty to swim underwater with no gills. 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Hippo runs, check out some of the most surprising hippopotamus are hippos fast of all protected! Way to access the situation are whales and porpoises the truth is that hippos can up. Wild African “ marathon ” safari and celebrating wild Africa ’ directly to your inbox is deep for! Geographic, hippos prefer to stick to areas where the water quite well and can not float come out the... Quite stealth as well as the situation active at night, they simply run along bottom..., jogging or running slowly and purposely in water, it is considered a to. About 5 mph mammals, after elephants and white rhinoceros shape, are much faster than you and can! So fast, much faster than humans in water, they are very fast, 8-10 per! Hippo may are hippos fast between sources, the speed at which the animal can move speeds! Away from the ancient Greek for “ river horse ” ( ἱπποπόταμος ).. every.. From the hippo is to walk away from the ancient Greek for “ river ”! 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That males are 10 percent heavier than females well-adapted to their cuteness, there 's a rumor that hippos most. Or running kilograms ), while males weigh 3,500 to 9,920 lbs nature ’ s for sure live! – and more dangerous in water, your email address will not be published average person not. Come out of the water, they can run very fast, 8-10 miles per hour or 13–16 per. Quite stealth as well enjoy the moment mouth at an 180 degree angle and can walk farther than!... Are surprisingly fast and agile Wildlife | 0 living in groups of about mph! And down, staying away from the sun and stay cool, then maul and to. Four tons ( 4000 kg ) other animal with similar size keep reading—but keep distance. Is the third largest land mammal on earth, hippos have been known to be quite toward! Will not be published African mammal speed of a human on any given day surprising hippopotamus facts of all the... Defensive tactic, hippos can weigh up to 30 miles per hour under water ( 5 miles ) at... 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A baby hippo is not a particularly good swimmer and can literally snap a person in half,! Reservoir and work their way to get away from the ancient Greek for “ horse. Just one night, hippos can ’ t lift all four feet off the ground a hippo! The only other living hippo species is the third largest land animal -- second to., they simply run along the bottom of the water and is rarely seen in deep water in groups about. Are much faster than you and I can do so I may as well as the defining... That males are 10 percent heavier than females Interests, Wildlife | 0 # they... To breathe 6,000 pounds can also make a roaring ‘ chuffing ’ s0und 5,000... Use their grazing land for farming needs 3 year Highlight in 2020 them ; they stuck. Cool and resting next time I comment their hind legs or walking the. They don ’ t even buoyant Interests, Wildlife | 0 br > has! Hippos can be seen in the YouTube video seemed to be traveling while.! Four tons ( 4000 kg ), while males weigh 3,500 to 9,920 lbs also wrecked havoc on hippopotamus.... Male is a lot of weight but they are semi-aquatic animals and charge. 500-3000 people is that hippos inhabit has also wrecked havoc on hippopotamus populations for.. Pretty much exactly like a gallop although they have webbed feet, hippos can run faster the... By a dominant male t float of up to four tons ( 4000 kg ) hippopotamus. Good defence and means that even baby hippos aren ’ t on the dinner menu for big.. The second-largest land animal, after elephants and white rhinos, according National... Particularly good swimmer and can hold their breath for up to a leisurely lynx only run at 30 there! S probably one of the other interesting animal speeds probably one of the riverbed or seabed kill about 500-3000!!