A study in Mozambique finds hippos talk through sounds

A recent study in Mozambique reflects that the hippos can talk among each other through sounds. Scientists claim that hippos communicate with other hippos and can also identify the difference between the sound of their friends from strangers, neighbours, and honking.

The research was conducted by French scientists who recorded hippo sounds in the nature reserve of Mozambique and later broadcasted the sounds of hippos over the lake through loudspeakers. The observed result came as a shocking revelation to the scientists. They observed that hippos reacted differently to the sound of a friend than that of a foe. This suggested that the hippos could identify and differentiate between the sounds. 

Up until now, scientists have found the wheeze honks a mystery that is considered the function of the loudest and the most common hippo.

The lead scientist Prof Nicolas Mathevon in France has studied the sound of animals from seals, leopards, and hyenas. In his research on hippos, he mentioned that the animals have a wide vocal repertoire. While there is a lot known about their bellows, grunts, squeals, and wheeze honks, little is known about their social communication with others of their species.  

He also highlights that the hippos offer information pertaining to the identity in their voices. It is their recognition ability that supports their relationship with their kind.