The number of invasive hippos in Colombia are double than previous estimates

(Image generated with AI)

Scientists have discovered that about twice as many common hippos (Hippopotamus amphibius) live on the Magdalena River in Colombia than previously thought.

Previous estimates put the population, which comes from three females and one male who escaped from the private zoo of drug lord Pablo Escobar, at less than 100 individuals.

However, a new study commissioned by the Colombian Ministry of the Environment in 2021-2022 found that 181-215 hippos live on the Magdalena River.

Of these, 37% are young individuals, which means that the population is growing rapidly.

Environmentalists have long urged authorities to take action to control invasive hippopotamuses, and new population estimates indicate that it needs to be done as quickly as possible.

In Colombia, there are no large predators dangerous for these animals and there are no severe droughts, which means that nothing limits the growth of their numbers and the expansion of their range.

At the same time, the consequences of the settlement of hippos in Colombian water bodies are unpredictable.

These herbivores affect water quality, transform landscapes and, in theory, are able to displace native animals, from manatees (Trichechus inunguis) to capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris).

In addition, they are aggressive towards people.

However, it is unclear how best to manage the hippo population.

Some experts advocate their shooting, while others favor more humane methods, such as trapping and castration or the introduction of contraceptives using darts.

Sources:

• Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-01818-z
• New Atlas: https://newatlas.com/biology/cocaine-hippos-habitat-bidoversity-threat-colombia/

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