Could the Thames River basin once have been home to abundant hippopotami?

  • Thread starter klimatos
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In summary, during the last inter-glacial period, hippopotami were abundant in the Thames River basin near London, indicating that global temperatures were 2°C warmer. The current interglacial period is predicted to surpass these temperatures and the high levels of CO2 in the atmosphere only add to this concern. It is crucial that we take action to reduce carbon emissions and prevent further species from disappearing due to climate change.
  • #1
klimatos
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During the last inter-glacial (LIG), which ended some 120,000 years ago, hippopotami appear to have been abundant in the Thames River basin near what is now London. (Petersen & Lieberman, 2012) It appears that global temperatures were some 2°C warmer (less in the tropics, more in the upper mid-latitudes) during the LIG.

The current interglacial bids fair to surpass those temperatures, if NOAA is to be believed: "Astronomical calculations show that 65N summer insolation should increase gradually over the next 25,000 years, . . . http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/paleo/milankovitch.html

And that's not counting the effects of increased CO2 levels (401.58 ppm as of October of 2015).
 
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There still are some in nearby zoos.
 
  • #3


Wow, it's amazing to think that hippopotami were once abundant in the Thames River basin! It just goes to show how much our climate can change over time. It's definitely concerning to hear that our current interglacial period may surpass the temperatures of the last one. And with the high levels of CO2 in our atmosphere, it's no surprise that we are seeing such drastic changes. It's important that we take action to reduce our carbon emissions and try to mitigate the effects of global warming. We don't want to see any more species disappearing like the hippopotami did in the Thames.
 

FAQ: Could the Thames River basin once have been home to abundant hippopotami?

What is the significance of hippopotami on the Thames?

The presence of hippopotami on the Thames is significant because it is highly unusual for these animals to be found in this location. It indicates a potential disruption to their natural habitat and raises questions about their wellbeing and the state of the ecosystem.

How did the hippopotami end up on the Thames?

It is believed that the hippopotami on the Thames are likely to be escaped or released captive animals. These animals are not native to the UK and it is illegal to import them without a license. It is also possible that they were brought to the river as part of a private collection or for commercial purposes.

Are the hippopotami a danger to humans?

Yes, hippopotami can be dangerous to humans. They are large, unpredictable animals and have been known to attack humans if they feel threatened or if their territory is invaded. It is important to keep a safe distance from these animals and to not approach or feed them.

What is being done to address the presence of hippopotami on the Thames?

The local authorities and animal welfare organizations are working together to monitor and address the presence of hippopotami on the Thames. This includes conducting surveys to track their movements, implementing safety measures to prevent human-hippopotami interactions, and potentially relocating the animals to a more suitable habitat.

Are hippopotami on the Thames a threat to the ecosystem?

It is possible that the presence of hippopotami on the Thames could disrupt the local ecosystem. These animals are not native to the UK and their diet and behavior could impact the native flora and fauna. However, more research and monitoring is needed to fully understand the potential impact of their presence and to take appropriate conservation measures.

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