Hear the Hippos, Then Hear the Talk

It's not every day you get the chance to hear hippos communicating, but anyone with Web access can get a sneak preview of a February 11 lecture on the unique vocal communication abilities of the hippopotamus. They are the only animals known to communicate both on land and under water. Framingham State College biologist William Barklow's groundbreaking observations provide insight into the sensory biology of hippos, establishing a possible evolutionary link between them and other mammals such as whales.

But before Barklow's talk you can get a sample of hippo talk by using RealAudio. Demos of both aquatic and terrestrial hippo sounds are available.