Hippos are a highly gregarious, contact species in water but solitary and unsociable while foraging on land. Adults do not have to herd for safety since they have few predators due to their size. In the water they usually live in schools of about 10-15 or even more. The schools contain cows, calves, juveniles and a few adult bulls, with solitary bulls on the perimeter.
Hippos are generally peaceful, but adult males engage in ferocious fighting over territory.
The victor has exclusive mating rights. Non-breeding males are tolerated within the territory. All photos contained herein are copyrighted and are not to be reproduced for commercial use without John H. Fields' expressed permission.