Isn’t she lovely?

Words by Andrea Gibson

Hippos are true ecosystem engineers. Their voracious nightly grazing reverses the choking of waterways by vegetation, and their trails on the banks and in the water create valuable aquatic corridors. Their wallowing creates open pools that serve as refuges for fish, caimans, and waterbirds during dry seasons. Most crucially, their dung acts as a slow-release fertiliser. A 2024 study in Scientific Reports found that lakes with hippos had 40% higher algal productivity and 25% greater microbial diversity than control sites. Fishermen are reporting better catches near hippo wallows. Ecologist Rafael Moreno describes the hippos as “the only large herbivores left to do the work that used to be done by many”.

bonjour

Dragonair used Dragon Rage

A once-in-a-lifetime shot of the moon perfectly framed by a rainbow. (Via ShiningScience on X/Twitter)

sorry for tagwatching but you still have to act like they aren’t mad at you imo! bc it’s the mad person’s duty to make it known if they want anything changed. it is never anyone’s duty to be a mind reader.

If you’re worried that I am mad, consider the possibility that I am mad for reasons I know are stupid and do not want to make it your problem.

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