Project Overview
How much hippo dung do invertebrates eat?
Department(s)
Biology
Abstract
Hippos play an important role in rivers, but their populations are declining across the African continent. We are keen to understand how changes in hippo numbers affect river organisms and food webs. One of the important ways that hippos can influence river organisms is through the release of their dung which contains a lot of nutrients. In this project we are interested in how the amount of hippo dung affects the invertebrates that inhabit the Mara River in Kenya. In particular, this project will look at how much hippo dung invertebrates eat and how important it is compared to other food sources. We will also examine if the feeding habits of invertebrates change when the number of hippos decline. Data collection will mostly include gut content analysis of a variety of freshwater invertebrates from Kenya through digital image analysis.
Student Qualifications
At least one ecology course, basic Excel knowledge, attention to detail and patience
Number of Student Researchers
2 students
Project Length
8 weeks