Hippo hunting in Mozambique

Hippos are mega-herbivores (grass eaters) and semi-aquatic animals found scattered throughout the waterways of Mozambique, especially along the major river systems like the Zambezi, Save (Sabi), and Incomáti (Komati) Rivers. Despite their bulky appearance these animals are strong swimmers and can move swiftly on land. Hippo bulls display their dominance by opening their mouths like a wide yawn (up to 150 degrees) displaying their huge incisors. They also lift their hindquarters out of the water and spread their dung with their paddle-like tails as a territorial display. Hippos are hunted both as trophies and problem animals in Mozambique where they come into conflict with villages living along the river banks. At night, Hippos leave the water to graze and anyone walking home in the dark of night could be in for a nasty accident when walking into one of these beasts. This is the main reason why Hippos are responsible for more deaths than any other wild animal in Africa. Hippos are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN and do not require any special hunting permits.