Species in communities are closely linked to each other according to relationships: supportive relationships and antagonistic relationships. In supportive relationships, at least one species benefits, which is often called a symbiotic relationship. This is the act of cooperating between two organisms (usually two animals or an animal and a plant) to maintain a bond that benefits both, establishing a truly mutually beneficial partnership. profit. Sometimes they are closely linked, interacting with the outside world as a single organism.

In Africa, there is a species of parasitic bird that feeds on animals and often has a symbiotic relationship with large mammals such as buffaloes, cows, zebras, impala antelopes, hippos, and rhinos to catch and eat animals. ticks, small insects, horsefly larvae as well as other parasitic organisms. This bird is the Oxpecker (also known as the cow/buffalo perching bird).

However, even couples who have lived for a long time often have many conflicts, let alone the relationships between animals. The story below is a typical example.

Accordingly, during a trip to South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, Swiss Marc Mol had a strange encounter.

During the trip, Mr. Mol had the opportunity to witness with his own eyes a herd of hippos gathering together on the riverbank. This is an amphibious animal, able to live both on land and in the water. They are social animals, living in herds. Hippo groups usually consist of 10 to 30 members, including both males and females, with some groups having up to 200 animals. Regardless of size, each herd is usually led by a dominant male.

But the guy’s attention was drawn to a small hippo that was running briskly as if being chased by someone. At first, Mol was surprised by the hippo’s expression, because there was absolutely no danger around him. It wasn’t until he looked closely that he saw that the animal following him was an Oxpecker bird.

The baby hippo is clearly a “new mat”, not used to having furry creatures clinging to its back. It tried every way to stay away from the tickling animal, turning and shaking its head and finally looking for its mother, a huge hippo swimming in the water, to tell her.

Oxpecker birds clinging to adult hippopotamuses is something people often see, but this is the first time Mol has seen this symbiotic relationship turn so bad, so despite the The baby hippo’s feelings are extremely funny.

Mol happily recounted that memory and said he had a hearty laugh while capturing extremely interesting moments.