The future of the common hippopotamus hangs in the balance as a federal judge has granted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) three more years to decide whether the species should be protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). This decision follows a lawsuit by conservation groups urging the agency to take action, citing the hippo’s declining population and the increasing threat from international trade in its parts. With hippos facing risks from poaching and habitat loss, this ruling may mark a crucial step toward securing their survival.
Why Are Hippos at Risk?
Hippos, often recognized for their large size and semi-aquatic lifestyle, play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance in African water systems. However, their population is rapidly declining, with estimates suggesting a decrease of 6% to 8% annually. Conservation groups report that hippos are vulnerable due to:
- International Trade: Hippo parts, including teeth, skulls, ivory, skin, and meat, are sold globally, with the U.S. being a major importer.
- Habitat Loss: Expansion of human settlements and agricultural activities threaten their natural habitats.
- Poaching: Despite international regulations, illegal hunting for their ivory-like teeth remains widespread.
The Legal Battle for Hippo Protection
In 2022, several wildlife conservation groups, including affiliates of the Humane Society and the Center for Biological Diversity, petitioned the USFWS to list the common hippo under the ESA. The agency acknowledged that evidence supported the need for potential protection. However, they missed the required 12-month deadline to make a decision, leading the groups to sue the agency for delays.
On February 4, 2025, a federal judge approved an agreement mandating that the USFWS must reach a final decision by July 27, 2028. This legal milestone ensures that hippos won’t be overlooked amid bureaucratic delays.
Why the U.S. Plays a Key Role
The United States is a significant player in the international trade of hippo products. According to a 2022 undercover investigation by the Humane Society:
- The U.S. accounted for nearly half of the global imports of hippo products between 2019 and 2021.
- Items such as belts, shoes, and purses made from hippo parts were found for sale across the country.
- Between 2009 and 2018, it’s estimated that over 3,000 hippos were killed to satisfy U.S. demand.
Conservationists argue that listing hippos under the ESA would curb U.S. imports, making it harder for illegal traders to profit from hippo parts.
The Ecological Importance of Hippos
Hippos are not just iconic African animals—they are critical to the health of freshwater ecosystems. Referred to as the “most ecologically influential African megaherbivore”, hippos help regulate water quality and nutrient distribution. Their activities in rivers and lakes support fish populations, which in turn sustain local communities dependent on fishing.
However, accurately tracking hippo populations remains challenging. A recent study in Biological Conservation highlighted the need for:
- Standardized survey methods to improve population estimates.
- Advanced technologies like satellite monitoring for better data accuracy.
Conservationists Speak Out
Environmental advocates emphasize the urgency of the situation:
- Tanya Sanerib, legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity, stated, “The iconic hippo deserves better than to be traded as parts and frivolous souvenirs.”
- Gillian Lyons, director of regulatory affairs for the Humane Society Legislative Fund, added, “The U.S. needs to take drastic steps to reduce its part in the species’ decline.”
Both experts stress that while having a deadline is progress, the pace of action remains too slow given the accelerating threats facing wildlife globally.
The judge’s ruling to set a 2028 deadline for deciding hippo protection under the Endangered Species Act represents a critical moment in wildlife conservation. With hippo populations declining and the U.S. playing a significant role in the trade of hippo products, the decision made in the coming years could significantly impact the species’ future. Conservationists hope that this legal pressure will lead to swift, decisive action to protect one of Africa’s most iconic species before it’s too late.
