Colombia is home to an unexpected wild hippo population. These large mammals, native to Africa, have established a self-sustaining presence far from their natural habitat. As an introduced species, they are now thriving in a novel environment.
Current Hippo Population in Colombia
Colombia’s hippo population has experienced rapid growth, becoming the largest outside of Africa. In 2019, estimates placed their numbers between 90 and 120 individuals, but a 2023 study indicated a much higher figure, ranging from 181 to 215 hippos. Authorities reported approximately 169 hippos in November 2023, with projections suggesting the population could reach 1,000 by 2035 if no management actions are taken.
These animals are primarily concentrated in the Magdalena River basin, particularly around the former estate of Hacienda Nápoles. The Colombian environment, with its warm climate and abundant water sources, provides an ideal habitat for hippos to graze and seek refuge. The absence of natural predators has allowed the hippos to reproduce at an accelerated rate, maturing earlier than their African counterparts.
How Hippos Arrived in Colombia
The origin of Colombia’s wild hippos traces back to the late 1970s, when drug lord Pablo Escobar illegally imported four hippopotamuses for his private zoo at Hacienda Nápoles. After Escobar’s death in 1993, his estate was left unattended. The hippos, difficult to contain, eventually broke out.
This initial group established a population in the wild. By 2007, their numbers had grown to 16, and they began roaming the area, seeking food in the nearby Magdalena River. The population continued to expand, reaching approximately 40 individuals in Puerto Triunfo, Antioquia, by early 2014, and spreading into the department of Santander.
Ecological Influence of Colombian Hippos
The increasing hippo population has begun to exert noticeable influences on Colombia’s native ecosystems. Their presence can alter water chemistry, as their feces contribute to nutrient loading in rivers and lagoons. This change in water composition can affect aquatic vegetation and potentially impact the habitats of native species like manatees and capybaras.
Hippos can also displace native fauna and modify riparian zones through their grazing habits and movements. They also pose risks to local human populations. Reports include attacks on fishermen and damage to crops and fences, leading to fear among local communities.
Strategies for Hippo Management
Various approaches have been considered or implemented to manage the growing hippo population in Colombia. One strategy involves surgical sterilization, with a plan to sterilize 40 hippos per year starting in November 2023. However, experts believe sterilization alone may not be sufficient to control the rapid growth of the species.
Another method is transferring hippos to other countries. Officials have explored sending them to Mexico, India, and the Philippines, with plans to evaluate sending 60 hippos to India. These efforts, along with contraception, are also being considered to control their numbers. As a last resort, the ministry is developing a protocol for euthanasia, recognizing the logistical and ethical complexities involved in these management strategies.