By Philip Pandael, Guide - Chada Katavi
It is normal here at Katavi National Park to see animals in huge numbers during the different seasons. In the wet season, there are large numbers of hippos, although they form subgroups in the rivers and pools. Also, because there is plenty of good food and they are in good health, the bulls are always fighting over territory. Hippos need enough water to cool off the body temperature, as they lack sweat glands.
But it’s a different case when these seasonal water dries: the hippos suffer from a shortage of water and food in the dry season, especially. In September to November, just before the short rains, hippos congregate in natural springs. Because of their large number, this water is not enough for them, so the hippos stay in the mud of the pools they make from these springs. Like this one in the picture, we found near one pool at Ikuu Ranger post. There thousands fight for space in the mud in order to try and save their lifes. It is no longer territorial fighting. It is difficult to see these muddy hippos suffer, but that is nature.
Picture by Philip Pendael
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