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Dangerous algae carpets
Blue-green algae / cyanobacteria multiply by dividing. With heat and a sufficient amount of nutrients, especially in summer, this happens particularly quickly, so that algae carpets are formed. These damage primarily the marine environment, plants die and real death zones without oxygen continue to develop on the sea floor. When the algae die, a lot of oxygen is consumed and toxic hydrogen sulfide is formed, which damages all organisms on the bottom.
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In the meantime, 80 specimens of the pachyderm originally from Africa are said to live in the area – and have a tremendous influence on the waters in which they are traveling. Researchers report that Jonathan Shurin from the University of California at San Diego in the journal “Ecology”,
Animal fertilizers
The same thing happens as in her African homeland, quotes Shurin University: “We found that if you exported them to another continent and released them to a different ecosystem with other players, they would have the same effect.”
That means: Even in South America, the animals eat their stomach full on land at night. On the other hand, they spend the day in the water and empty themselves in the process. In this way, they transport the nutrients from the solid underground into the water. You practically fertilize it.
look in the past
As a result, hippos contribute significantly to the growth of certain bacteria and algae in the water, according to the biologists. They are particularly concerned about cyanobacteria – also called blue-green algae (see box). If they occur in large numbers, they can drastically reduce the quality of the water.
The scientists warn: Due to the lack of predators and a current ban on hunting, their number could increase drastically in the next few years. «We now have to decide how we want to deal with them. Because 80 animals are easier to control than thousands, »said Shurin.
But the researchers can also gain something from the hippos, as it goes on to say. They offer a rare opportunity to study the types of massive animals that have largely disappeared in South America and their impact on new ecosystems.
Pablo Escobar’s hippos terrorize the city
(fairy)
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