A federal judge has granted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service an additional three years to decide if the common hippopotamus should be listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

According to wildlife conservation organizations, wild hippo populations are declining and are classified as vulnerable due to the international trade in their parts, which includes their teeth, skulls, ivory, skin, and meat. These groups assert that placing the common hippo on the endangered list could help reduce the trade of these parts in the U.S., which currently remains unregulated.

In 2022, several conservation organizations petitioned the wildlife agency to include hippos in the endangered list. In reply, the agency’s scientists indicated that there was sufficient evidence suggesting the need for protection against poaching and trade. However, the agency did not meet a 12-month deadline to make a decision, which led to legal action from the Humane Society and the Center for Biological Diversity last year, claiming the agency was taking too long.

On Monday, a judge approved an agreement that requires the wildlife service to reach a decision by July 27, 2028, about whether to classify the common hippo as endangered, according to a news release from the Humane Society of the United States.

“Tackling the issue of hippo parts being sold as souvenirs is crucial; I am pleased to see these remarkable creatures finally getting a timeline for potential protection,” commented Tanya Sanerib, international legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “While this gives us a deadline, there is still a pressing need to accelerate efforts to protect endangered wildlife overall.”

What do we know about hippo populations?

Hippos are vital to their ecosystems and are often referred to as “the most ecologically significant African megaherbivore,” according to a study by three international scientists published in “Biological Conservation” in January.

However, accurately counting their numbers poses a challenge, as noted by the study authored by Hannah Lacy from the University of Leeds and two collaborators.

The research suggests that hippo populations could be decreasing by 6% to 8% annually. Over the last ten years, estimates of hippo populations in Africa have varied significantly, ranging from 115,000 to 192,000.

The researchers recommend uniform survey methods and the application of newer technologies for more precise population assessments.

The wildlife service pointed out in its initial reply that wild hippos once inhabited over three dozen African countries, but they are no longer present in places like Algeria, Egypt, Liberia, and Mauritania.

Reducing the trade in hippo parts

According to reports from the Humane Society groups, an undercover investigation in 2022 uncovered thousands of hippo-related items available for purchase in the U.S., such as belts, shoes, and handbags.

The U.S. is a major contributor to the demand for hippo products, accounting for nearly half of global imports between 2019 and 2021. “Between 2009 and 2018, at least 3,081 hippos were killed to satisfy U.S. demand, and interest in hippo products persists,” the groups asserted.

“To combat the escalating global extinction crisis, the U.S. must allocate significantly more resources to this issue; it can’t simply take minor measures,” stated Sanerib.

“There must be significant actions taken to lessen our impact on the decline of this species,” emphasized Gillian Lyons, director of regulatory affairs for the Humane Society Legislative Fund.

Dinah Voyles Pulver writes about climate change, wildlife, and environmental issues. Connect with her @dinahvp on Bluesky or X.