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Legal Groups Demand Action To Stop Impending Hippo Extinction

hippo
Hippo baring their teeth as they devour some grass. Image by 16692474 via Pixabay

Animal protection groups are gearing up to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to decide on protecting hippos under the Endangered Species Act. With fewer than 115,000 of these iconic creatures left in the wild, threats like habitat loss, poaching, and a booming trade in hippo parts are pushing them closer to extinction. As the U.S. remains the largest importer of hippo products, advocates argue that immediate federal action is essential to safeguard these fascinating animals and their vital role in ecosystems.

Groups Take a Stand

Hippopotamus in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Hippopotamus in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Image by palko72 via Depositphotos.

Animal protection organizations have sent a notice to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) indicating their intention to sue. The legal action follows the agency’s failure to decide on a petition regarding the common hippopotamus’s protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). This decision was due a year ago, leaving many concerned about the future of these iconic animals.

The 2022 Petition

Hippo Family
A hippo family. Image by Depositphotos.

The petition for hippo protection was filed in 2022 by several organizations, including Humane Society International and the Center for Biological Diversity. These groups argued for urgent action to safeguard hippos from threats like habitat loss and poaching. Their request included clear guidelines for the USFWS to protect these animals before it’s too late.

Hippos Facing Serious Threats

Hippopotamus with its calf.
Hippopotamus with its calf. Image by Andaman via Depositphotos

Hippos are under severe threat, primarily due to habitat degradation and illegal hunting. Additionally, drought conditions in Africa are putting further pressure on their populations. With fewer than 115,000 adult hippos remaining in the wild, these challenges are significant.

U.S. as a Major Market

hippo with turtles on back
Hippo with baby turtles on her back. Image by CreativeNature via Depositphotos.

The United States is currently the largest importer of hippo parts, accounting for 45% of global imports from 2019 to 2021. This high demand contributes to the decline of hippo populations, as their parts are sold for various consumer goods. The organizations argue that this trade must be curtailed to protect hippos effectively.

The Role of Hippos in Ecosystems

lose-up of a black hippopotamus with its mouth wide open, displaying large teeth
Hippo yawning. Image by Sofia Zubiria via Unsplash

Hippos play a vital role in their aquatic ecosystems, helping to maintain the health of rivers and lakes. Their activities, such as grazing and creating channels in water bodies, are crucial for other wildlife. Protecting hippos is not just about saving a species; it’s about preserving the entire ecosystem.

Available Products in the U.S.

hippo
Hippo in the grass. Image by Alan Frijns via Pixabay.

A 2022 investigation revealed a wide array of hippo products readily available for purchase in the U.S. These include items made from hippo leather, like belts and purses, and hippo ivory used in decorative carvings. Such products showcase the ongoing demand for hippo parts despite the species’ vulnerable status.

Urging Federal Action

Hippo Family
A hippo family. Image by Depositphotos.

Tanya Sanerib, legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity, emphasized the need for the U.S. government to act decisively. She pointed out that federal protections could help stem the tide of illegal trade and support conservation efforts. Without immediate action, hippos risk facing extinction.

Historical Context of Trade

A hippopotamus in Chobe National Park, Botswana
Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) with a Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), Chobe National Park, Botswana. Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

From 2009 to 2018, over 3,000 hippos were killed to supply legal trade in the U.S. This figure highlights the unchecked nature of hippo commerce and the pressing need for federal protections. Without the ESA’s framework, these animals remain vulnerable to further exploitation.

Current Conservation Status

Hippo in the national park
Hippopotamus in Chobe National Park. Image via Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the common hippopotamus as “vulnerable.” This designation reflects the ongoing threats they face and the need for proactive measures. Despite being listed on CITES Appendix II, their conservation status continues to decline.

Call to Action

Pygmy Hippo Choeropsis liberiensis
Pygmy Hippo Choeropsis liberiensis. Arpingstone, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Conservation groups are urging the USFWS to list hippos under the ESA to enforce stricter regulations on trade. The protections sought could significantly limit commercial imports and sales of hippo specimens. As advocates emphasize, taking action now is crucial for ensuring the survival of these beloved animals in the wild.