Hippopotamus

Discussions and information on all Southern African Mammals
User avatar
Lisbeth
Site Admin
Posts: 67237
Joined: Sat May 19, 2012 12:31 pm
Country: Switzerland
Location: Lugano
Contact:

Re: Hippopotamus

Post by Lisbeth »

It is better to watch these videos without the sound :yes:


"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela
The desire for equality must never exceed the demands of knowledge
User avatar
Richprins
Committee Member
Posts: 75834
Joined: Sat May 19, 2012 3:52 pm
Location: NELSPRUIT
Contact:

Re: Hippopotamus

Post by Richprins »

Here is another one:




Please check Needs Attention pre-booking: https://africawild-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=322&t=596
User avatar
Lisbeth
Site Admin
Posts: 67237
Joined: Sat May 19, 2012 12:31 pm
Country: Switzerland
Location: Lugano
Contact:

Re: Hippopotamus

Post by Lisbeth »

Here the hippo is not saving anyone though ;-)


"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela
The desire for equality must never exceed the demands of knowledge
User avatar
Flutterby
Posts: 44150
Joined: Sat May 19, 2012 12:28 pm
Country: South Africa
Location: Gauteng, South Africa
Contact:

Re: Hippopotamus

Post by Flutterby »

O-/


User avatar
Lisbeth
Site Admin
Posts: 67237
Joined: Sat May 19, 2012 12:31 pm
Country: Switzerland
Location: Lugano
Contact:

Re: Hippopotamus

Post by Lisbeth »

Malawi investigates deaths of at least 22 hippos at national park – reports

2018-11-27 10:00

Image

At least 22 hippos have died in Malawi in two months, raising fears that the wild animals could become extinct in the southern African country, according to a report.

Malawi24 quoted wildlife authorities as saying that they noticed carcasses of hippos floating on Shire River in Liwonde early last month.

The Director of Parks and Wildlife Brighton Kumchedwa expressed shock at the massive deaths, adding that it was the first time to have 22 hippos dead in the country in a very short period.

A report by Xinhuanet.com said that the Department of Parks and Wildlife in Malawi was investigating the cause of the deaths.

"We are working with the vet department officials and the African Parks who are managing the National Park to establish the cause as this is the first time for the country to witness this," Director of the Department of Parks and Wildlife, Brighton Kumchedwa was quoted as saying.


"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela
The desire for equality must never exceed the demands of knowledge
User avatar
Richprins
Committee Member
Posts: 75834
Joined: Sat May 19, 2012 3:52 pm
Location: NELSPRUIT
Contact:

Re: Hippopotamus

Post by Richprins »

:-? O-/


Please check Needs Attention pre-booking: https://africawild-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=322&t=596
Klipspringer
Global Moderator
Posts: 5862
Joined: Sat Sep 14, 2013 12:34 pm
Country: Germany
Contact:

Re: Hippopotamus

Post by Klipspringer »



User avatar
Lisbeth
Site Admin
Posts: 67237
Joined: Sat May 19, 2012 12:31 pm
Country: Switzerland
Location: Lugano
Contact:

Re: Hippopotamus

Post by Lisbeth »

Hippos feast on Nyala

Posted by Ishani Chetty on 4 January 2019

Hippos, often known as river horses, may be widely thought of as herbivores, but recently captured photographs shared to the SANParks Kruger National Park Facebook page reveal the animals’ carnivorous side.

Danie Bester, an avid wildlife photographer, captured and shared the images, which show three hippos fearlessly stealing the hunt of a crocodile and dragging it further into the waters.

Bester described the incident captured near Shingwedzi after a few crocodiles captured a Nyala, a spiral-horned antelope that is found in southern Africa.

‘The hippos … took the carcass away from the crocs. They then started feeding on the dead buck while chasing the crocs that came too close,’ he said.

The photographs also show how the three hippos attempt to clinch their powerful jaws around the neck of the antelope.

Image
Danie Bester/ Facebook/ SANParks Kruger National Park, dragging the hippo down into the water.

Image
Danie Bester/ Facebook/ SANParks Kruger National Park – Hippos feast over Nyala

After initially encircling the three hippos in the water, the crocodiles decided to let go of the buck.

‘It was a feeding frenzy with more than ten crocs getting in on the action. It did not take long before there was nothing left of the buck,’ Bester said.

Image
Daine Bester/ Facebook – a group of crocodiles feasting over a Nyala


Bester was thankful to witness such a rare interaction between the different species.

‘Crocs were pulling and twisting with each swimming away with a chunk of meat and bones. It was awesome to watch.’

Image
Daine Bester/ Facebook – a group of crocodiles in a feeding frenzy.

Image
Daine Bester/ Facebook – a group of crocodiles feasting over a Nyala


Facts about Hippos

Hippos are not herbivores but are in fact considered omnivorous mammals, grazing on grass and sometimes consuming other animals. They are known for their impressive speed on land, which they use to catch animals.

The mammals are semi-aquatic, spending up to 16 hours a day submerged underwater. Their jaws are powerful enough for them to snap a canoe in half with one bite.

According to reports by National Geographic, in 2014 conservation biologist Leejiah Dorward witnessed a hippo consuming the corpse of another hippo at the Kruger National Park.

This sighting of cannibalism in hippos is a rare occurrence.

Hippos secrete a red oil-like substance from their skin which is reported to be a skin moistener and a protective mechanism against germs.


"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela
The desire for equality must never exceed the demands of knowledge
User avatar
Richprins
Committee Member
Posts: 75834
Joined: Sat May 19, 2012 3:52 pm
Location: NELSPRUIT
Contact:

Re: Hippopotamus

Post by Richprins »

They are known for their impressive speed on land, which they use to catch animals.

0*\ 0-


Please check Needs Attention pre-booking: https://africawild-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=322&t=596
User avatar
Flutterby
Posts: 44150
Joined: Sat May 19, 2012 12:28 pm
Country: South Africa
Location: Gauteng, South Africa
Contact:

Re: Hippopotamus

Post by Flutterby »

=O:


Post Reply

Return to “Mammals”