Ancient Hippo
Hexaprotodon sivalensis
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Chordata
Mammalia
Artiodactyla
Hippopotamidae
Hexaprotodon
Hexaprotodon sivalensis
The Ancient River Hippopotamus, Hexaprotodon represents a diverse genus of prehistoric hippos that once thrived across Africa and southern Asia. Some species survived well into the Holocene on islands such as Madagascar and Java. These animals were smaller than the modern hippopotamus and often adapted to riverine, swamp, and even forest environments. Early humans and hominins hunted Hexaprotodon species throughout their range.
Description
Hexaprotodon sivalensis, commonly known as the Sivalik Hippopotamus, was a large, semi-aquatic mammal that inhabited regions of South and Southeast Asia during the Pleistocene epoch. Similar in appearance to the modern common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), it possessed a robust, barrel-shaped body, short legs, and a large head with elevated orbits, an adaptation for semi-aquatic living. Its skin was likely thick and sparsely haired, aiding in protection and moisture retention. Dental morphology suggests a grazing diet, primarily feeding on grasses.
Quick Facts
Max Mass
Shoulder Height
Standing Height
Length
Diet
Trophic Level
1500
1
1.5
2.5
kg
m
m
m
Mixed Feeder
Herbivores – Grazers
Hunt History
While direct evidence of human predation on Hexaprotodon sivalensis is lacking, its extinction coincides with significant climatic changes and the arrival of modern humans in the region. The species' dependence on aquatic habitats made it vulnerable to habitat fragmentation during periods of drought. Although no butchery marks have been found on fossil remains, it is plausible that early humans competed with H. sivalensis for resources or indirectly impacted their populations through environmental modifications
Time & Range
Extinction Status
Globally Extinct
Extinction Date
Temporal Range
Region
10000
BP
Late Pleistocene
Africa
Wiki Link
Fat Analysis
Fatness Profile:
High
Fat %
15
Est. Renderable Fat
225
kg
Targeted Organs
Subcutaneous belly/flank fat
Adipose Depots
Thick subcutaneous (belly/flank), visceral; marrow
Preferred Cuts
Back/flank subcutaneous fat
Hunt Difficulty (x/5)
5