Hippos, Crocs & The Mara River Kenya-Tanzania
Hippos & Crocs in the Mara River, Kenya
The Mara River is a significant river in East Africa that originates in the Mau Forests in Kenya. It flows through the savannah rangelands of Kenya and Tanzania, providing water for wildlife and local communities. In Tanzania, it forms the Mara wetland, a crucial habitat for various plants and animals. Eventually, the river discharges into Lake Victoria.
The Mara River is famous for the annual wildebeest migration, attracting tourists worldwide to witness the incredible wildlife and scenic beauty of the region.
Driving past a river or waterhole, it's common to see hippos and Nile crocodiles basking together. The nature of their relationship is often questioned. While they may appear friendly, it's unlikely they have a mutually beneficial symbiosis. They can survive without each other, suggesting a lack of symbiotic relationship. Despite being potential prey, hippos and crocodiles coexist peacefully due to their respective diets. Hippos are herbivores, while crocodiles are carnivores. Although crocodiles would attack a hippo given the opportunity, the hippo's size, tough skin, and defensive abilities make it a formidable opponent. They live in a stalemate, aware of each other's capabilities. While occasional attacks occur, their coexistence is mostly driven by survival instincts, resulting in minimal interaction.
