The Kazinga Channel Hippopotamus: Science and Education of The Kazinga Channel Hippopotamus
The Kazinga channel is approximately 40 meters long connecting the two Lakes; Lake Gorge (which is to the east) and Lake Edward (which is to the west). This channel is among the most important features in Queen Elizabeth National Park (which is the most well-liked game reserve in Uganda covering an entire land area of 1,978 sq km). The channel has the wonderful view of the most important wildlife ventures within Queen Elizabeth National Park.
On the Eastern side of the Kazinga Channel is Lake George a tiny lake with an overall depth of 2.4 meters and 250 sq km. this lake is fed by streams flowing from the spectacular Rwenzori Mountains just north of this lake. the outflow from Lake Gorge flows through this Kazinga Channel and drains west into the adjacent Lake Edward (which is among the main fresh-water lakes in Uganda) that covers a total area of 2 000 sq km.
The shores of this channel draw a large number of wild animals, birds in addition to reptiles all through the year, with one of the largest population of hippos in the whole world as well as plentiful Nile crocodiles.
Hippos spend up to 16 hours a day submerged in rivers and lakes to keep their massive bodies cool under the hot African sun. Hippos are graceful in water, good swimmers, and can hold their breath underwater for up to five minutes. However, they are often large enough to simply walk or stand on the lake floor, or lie in the shallows. Their eyes and nostrils are located high on their heads, which allows them to see and breathe while mostly submerged.
At sunset, hippopotamuses leave the water and travel overland to graze. They may travel 6 miles (10 kilometers) in a night, along single-file pathways, to consume some 80 pounds (35 kilograms) of grass. Considering their enormous size, a hippo's food intake is relatively low. If threatened on land hippos may run for the water—they can match a human's speed for short distances.
Hippo calves weigh nearly 100 pounds (45 kilograms) at birth and can suckle on land or underwater by closing their ears and nostrils. Each female has only one calf every two years. Soon after birth, mother and young join schools that provide some protection against crocodiles, lions, and hyenas.
The life of a Hippo is mainly spent in the water during the day. Here the only real predators to be concerned with are crocodiles and lions. They typically will look for unattended offspring that they can dine on. However, these predators also know that a mother or adults Hippos are extremely aggressive. They know she can severely injure or even kill them if they are caught. This is why they will often reserve such actions for when they are desperate for a meal. Only then it is considered to be worth the risk involved.
The young Hippos are also vulnerable to some predators when they are unprotected. When they are feed on the shores and banks of the water they can be surprised by the alligators and crocodiles. Once on land though the major concerns come from lions and hyenas. As a Hippo gets larger though the chances of it being prey get slimmer and slimmer.
The hunting of the Hippo as a trophy sport is common as well. Men and women that love to hunt often get bored with the same old thing again and again. Then they turn to more exotic creatures and will travel a great distance to hunt them. The thrill of hunting such a large animal is unlike anything they have experienced in the past.
References:
Queen Elizabeth National Park: [ Ссылка ]
Go Africa: [ Ссылка ]
The Big Zoo: [ Ссылка ]
Hippo Worlds: [ Ссылка ]
Animal Fact Guide: [ Ссылка ]
Wiktionary: [ Ссылка ]
Live Science: [ Ссылка ]
IUCN : [ Ссылка ]
Animal Planet: [ Ссылка ]
A-Z Animals: [ Ссылка ]
National Geographic: [ Ссылка ]
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African Wildlife Foundation: [ Ссылка ]
Wikipedia: [ Ссылка ]
Animal Danger: [ Ссылка ]
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