Introduction
Every year, on February 15th, we observe World Hippopotamus Day, a time to raise awareness about these magnificent yet vulnerable creatures. Hippos, often perceived as peaceful giants lounging in African rivers, are facing significant threats that jeopardize their survival. Habitat loss and escalating human- wildlife conflicts are pushing them toward an uncertain future.
Hippos are the third largest land mammal on earth!
The name hippopotamus actually means ‘river horse.’
There are two species of hippo under the family Hippopotamidae; the pygmy hippopotamus and the common hippopotamus. After elephants and white rhinos, the common hippo is top of the scale for size, with males weighing up to 1360 kilograms (kg)! They are typically around 11 ft long and 5 ft tall. Despite their incredible size, they can fully submerge and hold their breath for 5 minutes. Their ears and nostrils actually “fold” shut to keep the water out. This allows them to sleep underwater, and “bob” up for a breath when they need to. Pygmy hippos are much smaller at 3 ft tall and less than 1/5th of the weight of the common hippo!
Hippos are amphibious and herbivorous!
Common hippos spend the majority of their days in water within rivers, lakes, muddy wallows, and wetlands, waiting until sunset to emerge onto land and feed. Their skin needs to stay moist at all times during sunlight hours, otherwise, it would crack and break. They also secrete an oily red liquid that is thought to act as a sunscreen, insect repellent, and antibiotic.
Hippos love to spend time with family and friends
Hippos are highly sociable animals that live in herds ranging from 10 to 100 individuals! Females - called cows - typically give birth to young once a year, or every two years, and the lactation period can even extend over 18 months. Their long gestation period of eight months makes the species especially vulnerable to exploitation and the threat of extinction.
Hippos are facing terrible pressures on their survival in the wild
1. The pygmy hippo is now classed as endangered by the IUCN (with the global population feared to be as little as 2,000-3,000 wild individuals), and the common hippo is classed as vulnerable (however many animal protection and conservation organisations believe numbers are now far worse than the 2016 figures).
2. The incredible hippo has been part of the African ecosystem for millions of years, and once wondrously ranged from the Nile river valley to the Cape. However, due to illegal hunting, climate change, widespread habitat loss, and even human retaliatory killings as a result of this loss and the associated human-wildlife conflict, the species has since become regionally extinct in three African countries. Devastatingly, there has been a 530% increase in hippo teeth export annually. Many hippos are shot under the guise of “protection” and to keep them away from crops and human housing, when in reality the profit generated from their bodies and body parts being sold through the meat and ivory trade is the leading factor.
This ancient species is lacking adequate protection and is largely overlooked in terms of government protection. Shockingly, the species are still legally traded for commercial purposes and hunting trophies under Cites, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and this is unacceptable. The number of hippo parts traded illegally is unknown.
The Impact of Habitat Loss
Hippos are highly dependent on both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. They spend their days submerged in water bodies to stay cool and venture onto land at night to graze. However, increasing human activities such as agriculture, urban development, and deforestation are encroaching upon these vital habitats. The conversion of wetlands and riverbanks into farmlands not only reduces the available space for hippos but also fragments their habitats, making it challenging for them to find adequate food and mates. This habitat degradation forces hippos into closer proximity with human settlements, setting the stage for conflict.
Escalating Human-Hippo Conflicts
As hippos lose their natural habitats, they increasingly come into contact with human populations. These interactions often lead to conflicts, primarily due to crop raiding. In regions like the Dhidhessa Wildlife Sanctuary in Ethiopia, studies have shown that crop damage is the major cause of human-hippo conflict, followed by direct human attacks. Farmers report significant losses when hippos forage on their crops, leading to economic hardships and food insecurity. In retaliation, hippos are often killed or injured, further threatening their populations.
Moreover, hippos are known to be highly territorial and can become aggressive when they feel threatened. This aggression poses risks to human safety, especially in communities living near hippo habitats. Incidents of hippos attacking boats or people near water bodies have been reported, leading to injuries and fatalities. Such events exacerbate negative perceptions of hippos among local communities, making conservation efforts more challenging.
Conservation Efforts and Mitigation Strategies
Addressing the challenges facing hippos requires a multifaceted approach that balances human needs with wildlife conservation. Key strategies include:
1. Habitat Protection and Restoration: Preserving existing hippo habitats and restoring degraded ones are crucial steps. Establishing protected areas and buffer zones can provide safe spaces for hippos to thrive without encroaching on human settlements. Reforestation and wetland restoration projects can also help in reclaiming lost habitats.
2. Community Engagement and Education: Involving local communities in conservation initiatives fosters coexistence. Educational programs can raise awareness about the ecological importance of hippos and promote non-lethal methods to deter them from farmlands, such as using noise makers or barriers. Compensation schemes for crop losses can also reduce retaliatory killings.
3. Sustainable Land-Use Planning: Implementing land-use practices that consider both agricultural productivity and wildlife conservation can minimize conflicts. Encouraging farming techniques that are less attractive to hippos or promoting alternative livelihoods can reduce the pressure on hippo habitats.
4. Research and Monitoring: Continuous research on hippo behavior, population dynamics, and human-hippo interactions can inform effective management strategies. Monitoring programs can help track the success of conservation efforts and adapt them as needed.
Conclusion
On World Hippopotamus Day, we must recognize the urgent threats hippos face from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. Protecting these river giants is essential for biodiversity and ecological balance. Through habitat restoration, community engagement, and sustainable land-use, we can foster coexistence and secure their future. With collective action, hippos can continue to thrive for generations to come.
References:
Pratibha Singh
B.A. (H) Political Science
2nd year
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