You are here

Hippo Count In Virunga National Park Is ‘Encouraging,’ Researchers Say

Share

Despite higher numbers, the latest hippo count in Virunga National Park is only 8.2 percent of the estimated peak population in the 1970s/WCS, A. Plumptre

After decades of steep decline due to poaching and habitat loss, the hippopotamus population in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Park is showing signs of recovery.

Still, researchers from the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) say the status of the animal in the park should remain critical, since the count, conducted last year, totals only 8.2 percent of the estimated peak population of about 30,000 individuals in the 1970s.

The research appears in the most recent edition of Suiform Soundings, a newsletter published by the IUCN’s Pigs, Peccaries, and Hippos Specialist Group.

“The hippo is one of Africa’s iconic species, one that is becoming increasingly threatened by hunting and other factors,” WCS scientist Deo Kujirakwinja, the lead author of the paper, said in a release. “Our findings that hippos are on the increase is encouraging, and evidence that efforts to protect hippos and other species are working.”

The researchers say that the increase in hippos is likely the result of increased enforcement in Virunga National Park’s portion of Lake Edward and nearby river systems, and collaboration between fishermen and park authorities in both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

In the 1970s, Virunga National Park contained Africa’s largest known hippo population, with especially large groups found in both the Rwindi and Rutshuru rivers. Later surveys revealed a steep decrease in hippo numbers as a result of hunting, human development, and agriculture, as is the case with declines in other large mammals in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

“These recent surveys have shown that the Ishasha River on the border with Uganda is now very important for their conservation and shows that transboundary conservation efforts are succeeding there,” said Andrew Plumptre, WCS senior scientist and co-author of the report.

The scientists noted that, while past surveys have relied partly on aerial counts, recent efforts have entailed more ground surveys than before (plane-based counts were avoided in many areas due to the presence of militias). The ground counts resulted in more hippos being recorded and improved population estimates, in part because aerial surveys often miss submerged animals in lakes and rivers. The count found 2,406 hippos in 177 pods.

Growing up to 13 feet in length and weighing up to 4,400 pounds, the common hippo is one of the largest mammals in Africa. It often congregates in pools, rivers, and lakes and can stay submerged for up to six minutes. They are herbivorous animals and feed almost exclusively at night. The common hippo is listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN’s Red List.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.