Court Ruling Sets Deadline For Decision To Protect Hippos Under The Endangered Species Act

A recent federal court ruling has paved the way for greater protection 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).

The agreement follows a lawsuit filed by Humane Society International (HSI), the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the Humane Society Legislative Fund, and the Center for Biological Diversity, after the Service failed to act on a 2022 petition requesting ESA protection for hippos.

“Hippos are vulnerable to overexploitation due to their low reproductive rate, delayed sexual maturity, and dependence on aquatic ecosystems. Listing hippos under the ESA would require an enhancement finding to ensure that imports to the United States do not contribute to further the decline of hippos for imports to continue,” said Madison Miketa, wildlife scientist for HSI. “It would also generate conservation benefits, such as a much-needed increase in research efforts and funding. As hippos continue to face increasing threats such as climate change, habitat loss and poaching, these measures will be especially important to ensure their survival.”

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 teeth, ivory, skin, and meat—have all contributed to their precarious situation.

“The iconic hippo deserves better than to be traded as parts and frivolous souvenirs, so I’m relieved these animals will finally get a decision on protections,” said Tanya Sanerib, international legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “While these delightfully chunky creatures at least have a deadline now, overall things are moving too slowly to protect imperiled wildlife. To halt the surging tide of the global extinction crisis, the U.S. needs to dedicate far more resources so it isn’t just sticking its finger in the dike.”

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 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 remain vulnerable to poaching and exploitation, with many being killed for their valuable body parts. ESA protections would help prevent further harm by restricting the commercial trade and raising public awareness.

While there is still much to be done, this ruling marks a critical step in safeguarding the future of this iconic and important species, whose survival depends on the collective effort to address habitat loss, illegal trade, and climate challenges.