Ecology and Conservation Hippos defecate in the water. Their dung provides essential basic elements for the food chain. Tiny microorganisms feed on it and then larger animals feed on those organisms. On land, hippos' large bodies make trails through vegetation that other animals may use for easy access to water holes. Because hippos' favorite food is short grass, they keep these grasses well trimmed which may help to deter grassfires.
Hippos are an important part of the African ecosystem.
The Encyclopedia of Mammals. Grzimek's Encyclopedia of Mammals. Busch Entertainment Corporation. All rights reserved.