A vast number of studies are being done on hippopotamus population dynamics. One of these is the hippopotamus population monitoring in the Kruger National Park in Africa. This study is being performed by Dr. Ian Whyte. They are surverying rivers such as the Limpopo, Sabie, Crocodile and Letaba to determine the number of hippopotmuses in the South African National Parks (SANP). Hippos and other animals, such as the crocodile, are being tracked as ecological indicators.
Another topic that is being researched is how hippos communicate. Dr. William Barklow of Framingham State College is currently focusing on their underwater and amphibious sound communication. They have been recorded making various grunts, growls and screams on land as well as when submerged.
Also DNA, molecular, and genetic studies have shown that cetaceans and hippopotmauses might share a common heritage. This seems to be backed by the skeletal structure and morphological evidence as testimony. Scientists have discovered whale skeletons that show similarities to animals in the Group Aritodactyl (pigs, camels, hippopotamuses, sheep, deer, ...) |
