[[PDF] DOWNLOAD FREE The Hippos: Natural History and Conservation (A Volume in the Poyser Natural History Series)

The Hippos: Natural History and Conservation (A Volume in the Poyser Natural History
Series)
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Hippos are unusual in being genuinely amphibious and this has a fundamental effect on their
physiology and way of life. Following a general introduction, there is a detailed description of hippo
anatomy and physiology, including many fascinating and little known facts about their skin
structure and physiology. The complex question of hippo stomach anatomy, and its impact on their
diet and nutrition, is critically reviewed. Hippos have a four-chambered stomach similar to
ruminants although, unlike them, they do not chew the cud. Hence they are often called
'pseudoruminants'. The fossil history of hippos is then considered and the recently claimed
relationship with whales is examined. Subsequent chapters are devoted to their social biology and
ecology, including descriptions of their breeding and feeding ecology. Several extraordinary
instances of carnivory, including an instance of cannibalism, are described. A chapter on diseases
and parasites also discusses the relations between hippos and other species, including crocodiles,
to which they appear to be dominant. A consideration of the hippo's relationships with its human
neighbours and the prospects for its long-term conservation gives an important view of current
conservation concerns. The book closes with three chapters devoted to the results of the author's
recent survey on the distribution and abundance of the common hippo throughout Africa. This is
the first such estimate to have been made on a continent-wide basis and the total population of
about 170,000 was so much smaller than many people had expected, that it resulted in the
common hippo being given special protection under the CITES convention. Key Features* The
first complete work on both species of hippo, the river hippo and the pygmy hippo* Much of its
data is drawn from the author's experiences while completing the IUCN Hippo Plan throughout
Africa and in Uganda in particular* All aspects of hippo biology are covered* There has been no
previous in depth study of the ecology and behaviour of these mammals before em em
Hippos are unusual in being genuinely amphibious and this has a fundamental effect on their
physiology and way of life. Following a general introduction, there is a detailed description of hippo
anatomy and physiology, including many fascinating and little known facts about their skin
structure and physiology. The complex question of hippo stomach anatomy, and its impact on their
diet and nutrition, is critically reviewed. Hippos have a four-chambered stomach similar to
ruminants although, unlike them, they do not chew the cud. Hence they are often called
'pseudoruminants'. The fossil history of hippos is then considered and the recently claimed
relationship with whales is examined. Subsequent chapters are devoted to their social biology and
ecology, including descriptions of their breeding and feeding ecology. Several extraordinary
instances of carnivory, including an instance of cannibalism, are described. A chapter on diseases
and parasites also discusses the relations between hippos and other species, including crocodiles,
to which they appear to be dominant. A consideration of the hippo's relationships with its human
neighbours and the prospects for its long-term conservation gives an important view of current
conservation concerns. The book closes with three chapters devoted to the results of the author's
recent survey on the distribution and abundance of the common hippo throughout Africa. This is
the first such estimate to have been made on a continent-wide basis and the total population of
about 170,000 was so much smaller than many people had expected, that it resulted in the
common hippo being given special protection under the CITES convention. Key Features* The
first complete work on both species of hippo, the river hippo and the pygmy hippo* Much of its
data is drawn from the author's experiences while completing the IUCN Hippo Plan throughout
Africa and in Uganda in particular* All aspects of hippo biology are covered* There has been no
previous in depth study of the ecology and behaviour of these mammals before em em