HIPPOS AND RIVER WILDLIFE IN KENYA
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- Location: Mpala Ranch, Laikipia County, Kenya, East Africa
- Source: Explore Africa
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Info: Live hippo and river wildlife webcam at Mpala Ranch in Kenya, East Africa.
Watch out for hippos in the river as well as bushbuck, eland, oryx, waterbuck, gerenuk and kudu along the riverbanks. It is a popular spot for elephants as well.
Enjoy the scenery of the African Savannah and listen to all the bird sounds.
To view more live animal and game reserve webcams in Kenya, Visit : Live Kenya Wildlife Webcams
More info: The Mpala Research Centre is situated on a cattle ranch and wildlife area, in Laikipia County, in central Kenya, East Africa. It covers an area of 20,000 ha and is bordered by the Ewaso Ng’iro river to the east, and the Ewaso Narok river to the north.
The hippopotamus, also called the hippo, common hippopotamus or river hippopotamus, is found in East Africa, south of the Sahara. The other much smaller species of hippo is the pygmy hippopotamus which has a very limited habitat in West Africa. There are an estimated 125,000 to 150,000 hippos throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. The hippopotamus is one of the most aggressive creatures in the world and is often regarded as one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.
Hippos are semi–aquatic, spending time both on land and in water. They gather in groups (pods) of up to 30 animals or more depending on the water level and season. Hippo pods consist mainly of cows and young hippos with a matriarch and a dominant, territorial bull in control of a stretch of river. Single bulls are also often found. Cows with very young calves often stay on their own for a few months before re-joining the pod.
Hippos need permanent open water like rivers, dams, or pools where they can submerge. During the day, hippos spend their time in water to keep cool. In the winter months and cooler weather they will also be seen resting on river banks. They emerge at dusk to graze.
Every year across Africa, hippos kill an estimated 500 people, making them the world’s deadliest mammal, after humans, and nearly twice as deadly as lions. Hippopotamuses are herbivores and rarely bother other animals but males can become aggressive if they sense danger and mothers may attack to protect their young. Most hippos become nervous and dangerous when something or someone stands between them and the water where they live.
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