Court Ruling Sets Deadline For Decision To Protect Hippos Under The Endangered Species Act
A recent federal court ruling has paved the way for increased protections of hippos in the United States. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must now decide by July 27, 2028, whether the common hippopotamus should be listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Wild hippos have faced a dramatic decline in their population, with an estimated 20% decrease from 1996 to 2008, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Habitat destruction, poaching, and illegal trade of hippo products—such as their teeth, ivory, skin, and meat—have all contributed to a decrease in their population.
The U.S. is a major consumer of hippo products, importing nearly half of all global hippo-related goods between 2019 and 2021. Over 3,000 hippos were killed to meet U.S. demand from 2009 to 2018, and unfortunately, the market for hippo products continues to thrive. HSI and HSUS uncovered thousands of hippo-related items for sale in the U.S., including hippo leather belts, shoes, and purses, along with ivory knife handles and decorative carvings.
Hippos continue to face threats from poaching and exploitation. Implementing ESA protections could significantly reduce these dangers by limiting commercial trade and increasing public awareness.
Although there remains significant work ahead, this ruling represents a pivotal advancement in securing the future of this iconic species. The survival of hippos hinges on our combined efforts to tackle habitat destruction, illicit trade, and climate-related threats.
