Problem
Threatened species of Hippopotamidae
Other Names:
Threatened species of Hippopotamuses Nature:
Hippos are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Unregulated hunting for their meat, skin, and teeth, combined with shrinking habitats and increased hippo-human conflict have lead to a decline in populations across Africa. At the current rates, the species could disappear within a century.
Incidence:
A new study says that a rise in demand for hippos’ teeth is threatening the mammal with extinction. Hippo teeth are easier to smuggle than elephant tusks. Additionally, they are not protected especially well at either a national or international level. The problems here are that not only is it impossible to guarantee that a hippo tooth is legally sourced but that overall quotas are often massively exceeded. We have created a situation where “some” hippos can be shot, but we have few effective ways to regulate the trade, leaving it wide open to abuse.
Broader Problems:
Threatened species of Artiodactyla Narrower Problems:
Threatened species of HexaprotodonThreatened species of Hippopotamus amphibius tschadensis Aggravates:
Conserving hippopotamus Strategies:
Conserving hippopotamus Subject(s):
Societal Problems → Endangered speciesRelated UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
21.04.2022 – 09:00 CEST