146 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS 



Family HIPPOPOTAMID^E. 



Bulky animals, with a broad head and square mouth, 

 four toes possessing nail-like hoofs, all of which rest on 

 the ground ; and a thick skin almost devoid of hair. 



FIG. 69. Hippo Resting in the Water. 



Canine teeth long and curved. Semi-aquatic, herbivorous 

 animals. Permanent dentition : Incisors 2-2, canines 1-1, 

 premolars 3-3, molars 3-3. Milk teeth : Incisors 3-3, 

 canines 1-1, molars 4-4. Mammae inguinal. 



Genus HIPPOPOTAMUS. 

 Hippopotamus amphibius. Zee Roe. 



Form heavy and rather pig-like. The head is large 

 with the mouth square and the nostrils situated on top of 

 the muzzle ; skin smooth with hairs only on the mouth, 

 on the sides of the head and neck, on the short stumpy 

 ears, and at the end of the tail. Legs and tail short. 

 General colour black or slaty black, inclining to a fleshy 



