These incredible images were captured by 38-year-old Swiss photographer Nils Rinalidi during a visit to Katavi National Park in Tanzania.
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Hippos only attack each other when competing for leadership or mates. |
Two muscular male hippos face each other in a muddy puddle trying to intimidate and hurt their rival in an attempt to gain dominance over the group.
Meanwhile, the rest of the hippo herd seemed unconcerned about their noisy fight and continued to lie dormant in the cool swamp.
In the end, the larger hippo (right of photo) won and the loser had to leave.
According to the photographer, hippos gather in the lake because it is the dry season. At night they like to roam in the bushes to eat grass.
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Two huge hippos compete for leadership. |
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Use strength to find the leading position. |
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The two hippos tried to subdue each other. |
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The conflict stirred up a quagmire. |
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The larger male hippo, on the right of the photo, won. |
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The defeated must go somewhere else. |
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The remaining animals in the herd seem quite indifferent to the competition for the right to win the position. |