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Hippo


Hippo
Photo Information
Copyright: Ralf Lukovic (ralfsworld) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 502 W: 88 N: 1791] (6034)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-08-03
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Canon 20D, Canon 100-400L 4.5-5.6 IS USM
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2006-08-17 3:44
Viewed: 1347
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 28
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Captured in Tanzania last year, 20D @ 400mm, handheld from a car in wild.

The Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), is a large, plant-eating African mammal, one of only two extant, and three or four recently extinct, species in the family Hippopotamidae.

Hippopotamuses (hippopotami is also accepted as a plural form by the OED), also called hippos, are gregarious, living in groups of up to 40 animals, called a pod, herd, school or bloat. A male hippo is known as a bull, a female, a cow, and a baby, a calf. A hippo's lifespan is typically 40 to 50 years. Female hippos will reach sexual maturity at 5 to 6 years, and have a gestation period of 8 months.

Hippos average 3.5 metres (11 ft) long, 1.5 meters (5 ft) tall at the shoulder, and weigh from 1,500 kg to 3,200 kg (3,300 to 7,000 lb). They are approximately the same size as the White Rhinoceros, and experts are split on which is the next largest land animal after the elephant. Male hippos appear to continue growing throughout their lives, whereas the females reach a maximum weight at around the age of 25. Females are smaller than their male counterparts, and normally weigh no more than 1,500 kg. The value given above of 3,200 kg is often quoted as being the upper limit of weight for a male hippo. However, larger specimens than this have been documented, including one of which weighed almost 5000 kg. Even though they are a bulky animal, hippopotamuses can run faster than a human on land. There are estimates of its actual running speed varying from 30 km/h (18 mph) to 40 km/h (25 mph), or even 48 km/h (30 mph). The hippo can maintain these higher estimates for only a few hundred yards.
horia, Rolf, SelenE, Zeno, metcher, Hil, captainsgirl, vanderschelden, Roynsam has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • horia Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2043 W: 212 N: 3651] (12150)
  • [2006-08-17 4:12]

Hi Ralf

Splendid portrait of this hippo! He looks like a gentle giant in this shot (although he isn't allways).
Also great capture with the birds. Very beautifulcolors, excellent details, light and compostion.
Really well done!

Bravo and TFS
Horia

  • Great 
  • Rolf Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 59 W: 0 N: 27] (196)
  • [2006-08-17 4:20]

Hello Ralf
Excellent shot of this giant with amazing colours & details.
TFS
Rolf

  • Great 
  • SelenE Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2304 W: 59 N: 3674] (11774)
  • [2006-08-17 4:48]
  • [2]

Wow.... What a camouflage :o)) Very well framed and seen. Wonderful colors, splendid and a funny composition. I like the bird on his head :o) Good focus and sharpness.
Did you combine 2 shots, or is it just one?
TFS
Selen

  • Great 
  • Zeno Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 477 W: 0 N: 926] (7969)
  • [2006-08-17 5:13]

Hi Ralf,

As a birdwatcher I do like this photo very much. I mean the hippo is great but wahta about the african Jacana on the left. And there is a oxpecker on hippo's head fighting with another bird i don't know.
Great shot and TFS.

regards,
Zeno.

Hi Ralf,
What a stunning photo. The sharpness of the entire photo is excellent. I like the pose you've captured and the birds that are fighting for the best spot. Great colors and exposure.
TFS,
Niek

Hi Ralf,
a great picture, "mitt i spenaten".
You captured a vry good momnet, I think the birds are happy to have a place to landing;-) Well composed, good POV and lovely colours.
Great work.

Hi, Ralf.
Very nice green hippo shot with beautiful surroundings. Usually they are just relaxing in their own ...Well composed and jackana is good bonus here.

  • Great 
  • Hil Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 741 W: 11 N: 1381] (4761)
  • [2006-08-17 18:18]

Hi Ralf

Great shot, well captured. The POV and compo are great and the colours are really nice.

TFS
Regards Hilary :o)

wow...looks like shes got enough to eat of years..:o)
Neat photo..shes a beauty...:o)
Donna

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2006-08-18 22:56]

Hi Ralf

This is a good shot.There is something about that happy,smug little look on the hippo.It makes him look like he is in a giant bath.Really nice POV and DOF.The colour is beautiful.TFS

Rob

Ralf,
Great shot. Hippo in luxurious bath:-)
Wonderful..
Annick

  • Great 
  • mrcrow Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 458 W: 123 N: 197] (2996)
  • [2006-08-24 13:26]

rather over the top saturation and on the edge of being a pastiche but i love them and you have the nicest shot i have seen of one in river weed and with the birds on them.
they kept us awake at night in kenya as they stomped around the cabin gardens..

Hello Ralf

A fantastic photo of this magnificent creature.
entYou should be very proud of this achievment.
The hippo looks very happy in his own World.
Excellent shot.

Thanks for sharing

Regards

Roy

  • Great 
  • deffra (76)
  • [2008-03-17 13:00]

Hello Ralf,
Very good composition,and superb contrast
beetwin green and the color of hippo.
Bravissimo.
Ciao Francesco

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