Hippos Deserve to Thrive
The hippopotamus, native to Africa, is the third largest among all land mammals, following elephants and rhinos. Closely related to whales and dolphins. Conservationists describe them as vulnerable. World Hippo Day is observed on February 15, 2024, to celebrate these remarkable creatures and raise awareness to prevent their extinction. There are two species of hippos: hippopotamus and pygmy hippo. Despite their enormous size, hippos can run up to 50 kilometres per hour. Hippos are the only mammals living on land and water and serve as a bridge between both worlds. The hippo’s dung provides rivers and lakes with the necessary nutrients for life in the ecosystem to thrive. Predators of the hippo include hyenas, lions, and crocodiles. Humans have also emerged as prime predators. One conservation measure impacts another. When the ban on the international trade of elephant ivory took effect in 1989, the predators started targeting the ivory canine teeth of the Hippos. Every time we discuss the causes pushing many into extinction, you will find them to be the same. The primary threats to the hippopotamus are habitat loss and deforestation. As anthropologist Jane Goodall observes, to save the hippo, we must protect the rivers, lakes, and wetlands that sustain these majestic creatures and countless human communities.
The sunset over the African savanna is not complete without the grunts of hippos sounding from the watering holes.
Rashid Chiveso, a Kenyan author
The hippopotamus (hippo) is the third largest among all land mammals, following elephants and rhinos. Hippos are closely related to whales and dolphins. Hippos are native to Africa and found in over 30 countries in Africa. The name “hippopotamus” has Greek origin and means “river horse” in Greek. These herbivorous giants inhabit sub-Saharan Africa’s rivers, lakes, and mangrove swamps. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the hippopotamus as a vulnerable species and on its Red List, with the numbers remaining in the wild close to 1,20,000. World Hippo Day is observed on February 15, 2024. This observation aims to celebrate these remarkable creatures and raise awareness to prevent extinction.
There are two species of hippos: hippopotamus and pygmy hippo. Hippos spend up to 16 hours per day in water. They stand on river bottoms, walk or run along the riverbed or take “runs” underwater. They can go 5-6 days without water. Hippos live in groups (typically of 10-30), are led by a dominant male, and are very territorial. They secrete an oily reddish-orange slime that protects their skin from UV and harmful bacteria. The hippo’s front teeth are tusks, which they use to defend themselves against threats. Despite their enormous size, hippos can run up to 50 kilometres per hour. Hippos are the only mammals living on land and water and serve as a bridge between both worlds. The hippo’s dung provides rivers and lakes with the necessary nutrients for life in the ecosystem to thrive.
Hippos are the only mammals living on land and water and serve as a bridge between both worlds.
Hippos are herbivores with a life span of about 50 years in the wild. The majority of a hippo’s diet comes from grass. But they also consume aquatic plants, melons, berries, and seeds. Even though they are not fully aquatic, they can hold their breath for up to five minutes while submerged. Predators of the hippo include hyenas, lions, and crocodiles. It is reported that Hippos have a bite force almost three times that of a lion. They account for more human fatalities than any other animal in Africa and are considered the most dangerous.
Their declining population is attributed to the loss of access to fresh water. Humans have also emerged as prime predators. They are hunted for their meat, for ivory canine teeth. Ironical, one conservation measure impacts another. When the ban on the international trade of elephant ivory came into effect in 1989, the predators started targeting the Hippos. Wildlife agencies in Africa report that the most significant decline in the hippo population has occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Bushmeat hunters poach pygmy hippos.
Every time we discuss the causes pushing many into extinction, you will find them to be the same. The primary threats to the hippopotamus are habitat loss and deforestation. Humans make them go out of their habitats. The hippopotamus once ranged from the Nile Delta to the Cape but now is mainly confined to protected areas.
When next time you visit a Zoo and find this mammoth creature, remember that it is brought from Africa, and the efforts of the experts at the park make them healthy and survive. A more significant struggle worldwide is to take immediate measures to ensure the preservation of this mammoth animal, the only one that can live both in water and on land and provide a crucial link between the worlds.
To save the hippo, we must save the rivers, lakes, and wetlands that sustain not only these majestic creatures but also countless human communities.
Dr. Jane Goodall
Hippos Deserve to Thrive
Toons: Shreya
Logs: M Sai Baba
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