Background
The American alligator is an iconic symbol and mascot of the Southern US. It is also one of the most remarkable animals of the entire animal kingdom, boasting an impressive life span and size. Of course, alligators are not the only reptilian creature found in the US, as the even more iconic and beloved hippopotamus – a semi-aquatic African mammal – is sometimes seen in the Mississippi River. So, the question remains: are there really hippos in the Mississippi River?
Where Did They Come From?
An oft-cited legend suggests that hippos are an introduced species that have been residing in the Mississippi Basin since the Great Flood of 1927. This flood, while still widely remembered, wasn’t the cause of this introduction. In fact, it predates the widely known flooding by almost 30 years.
In fact, during the late 1800s and the early 1900s, the hippo was actually bought, transported and released in the surrounding areas of the Mississippi River by a variety of ambitious (albeit short sighted) individuals. These folks wanted to bring a touch of the African savanna to America, perhaps as a reminder of their visits or simply for aesthetic purposes. As a result, this introduced species soon found a niche in the nearby wetlands and rivers, being sighted as late as the 1950s.
Effects on the Ecosystem
The deliberate introduction of a foreign species such as the hippos can have devastating chain reactions on the surrounding environment and wildlife. Although such an occurrence obviously ignores any scientific basis, the effects can be seen to this day. For instance, one of the most startling changes seen on the Mississippi River is the drastic decline in the number of reptiles, such as alligators and turtles, since the 1950s.
The hippo, being a large and aggressive animal, may have caused the alligators to retreat further away from the river, hindering their populations and potentially reducing their size due to the competition for resources. The same goes for the introduction of the introduced hippopotamus into other southern US states. There has been a significant decline of many species, as well as a decrease in the average size of alligators, which are directly affected by the presence of the hippo.
Effects on the Surrounding Human Population
Hippos can also have an adverse effect on the environment and the humans living near the rivers they inhabit. While they are relatively solitary animals, hippos can become territorial and aggressive during mating seasons and they are also known to attack humans in their territory. As such, they can be a threat to the human settlement that encroach upon the river ecosystems.
Aside from being physically dangerous, hippos are also known to spread a variety of infectious diseases, such as anthrax and tularaemia, which can be detrimental to both the environment and humans. As such, they can become wild, unpredictable and potentially lethal pests if not monitored or controlled.
Conclusion and Outlook
Unfortunately, the introduction of foreign species to habitats where they are not native can have devastating effects and the story of the hippo on the Mississippi River is a prime example of this. It is almost certain that the hippos are a dying, if not extinct, species in the area and the effects that their presence in the wild had on the surrounding environment will continue to be felt for years to come.
Moreover, it is important to note that, while this case study is a cautionary tale, it is also an important reminder of the necessity of studying the local ecology, understanding the natural environment, and knowing the consequences of human intervention. As such, knowledge of the negative consequences associated with introducing non native species can help to inform future actions and protect the local environment and the animals it houses.
