Humans are fascinated by ‘river horses’, otherwise known as hippos; large, grey creatures weighing up to 8,000kg. These mammals are highly dependent on water, only heading to land to graze at night. Whilst typically found in the waterways of the African continent, there has for many years been debate about whether these majestic beasts have ever been spotted in the Nile.
Evidence of hippos in the Nile river region dates back to Ancient Egypt. The pyramids of Giza feature a statue of a pharaoh and a hippo, and hieroglyphs have been discovered, depicting Pharaoh Amenhotep II accompanied by a hippo. It is possible that the hippo is a symbol of the Pharaoh’s strength, or that the specimen on display was imported to the area.
Travelers such as Herodotus and Pliny the Elder documented their presence in the area between 500 BCE and 500 CE. Reports from the 1700s state that vast numbers of hippos were established in the Nile, during the flood of 1726. However, whether these animals were native to the location or were introduced by humans is unknown. One of the most important records was published in 1900 by A.S. Leith. He reported that a hippo was seen in the Sudd swamp area of Sudan, which led him to believe there had been a population of hippos in the area.
Modern evidence is scarce, but some experts believe that if conditions were suitable, hippos could still live in the Nile. The river’s temperature and depth varies greatly, supporting different aquatic environments that could sustain the species. The presence of human communities and activities, such as fishing and hunting, could have affected their settlement.
The Nile Basin Initiative have made efforts to help protect the hippo population, by establishing multi-country cooperation to manage the water and resources. Grants, policies and strategize have been developed in the region in a bid to sustain the species and transform their capabilities and standards of living.
The future of the hippo population in the Nile is uncertain, with modern civilization driving the agricultural transformation of the basin- diminishing the habitats of these animals and leading to the danger of eventual extinction. Conservation agencies and charities are continuously striving to develop campaigns and new strategies, enabling the population to thrive
Human activities
The creation of human settlements, mining and industry with various types of discharge into the water and land surrounding the Nile have caused severe damage to the environment. This has caused a significant strain on the population of hippos inhabiting the area, and has become a major factor in their extinction
The degradation of the ecosystem of the Nile Basin has not just affected the hippo but other local species. For example, illegal fishing and the introduction of non-native animals have reduced the natural food supply, which in turn has led to increased competition among remaining animals.
Humans often intrude on the habitat of hippos, with overpopulation leading to a significant increase in agriculture, weakening the vegetation and destroying the quality of the water. Similarly, communities and fishing activities can interfere with the natural migration, affecting the species and their way of life.
In addition, humans are responsible for the direct killing of hippos and the disruption of breeding, which are further diminishing the species populations. It seems that their future is connected to the behaviour of local communities and the ability of both governments and activists to protect the species.
Conservation efforts
Conservation campaigns have been essential in the attempt to protect and restore the hippo population in the Nile. Projects that have been set up by the Nile Basin Initiative include ecological restoration initiatives, focusing on respecting natural species, and the lessening of pollution – both of which have made a difference in the preservation of the hippo population.
Similarly, charities such as Save the Hippo have had a significant impact on protecting these animals. They facilitate research, direct conservation-focused field surveys, and promote projects focused on measuring the effectiveness and success of the initiatives.
For example, the establishment of cross-country programmes, such as the Agreement for the Sustainable Natural Resources Management of the White Nile Basin, has enabled the collaboration of different countries to help protect vulnerable habitats and increase awareness among citizens of the species being threatened.
Moreover, campaigns and initiatives that emphasise the need to attract both local and international attention and investment have been successful in helping to restore the environment. This has enabled species, including the hippo, to live in safer and more suitable conditions.
Environmental protection
The environment of the Nile should be an area of conservation, prioritising the natural balance of the ecosystem. Governments and individuals must become aware of the importance of protecting species, and actively play a part in aiding their ability to survive through environmental conservation.
This includes developing laws and legislations that deter poachers and protect habitats, as well as creating economical incentives that limit the destruction of environments due to overdevelopment.
Agricultural activities must also be managed in order to reduce the impact on natural species such as the hippo. This is particularly true for large-scale activities where the introduction of new species, chemical runoff, and habitat destruction could damage the area.
Finally, locals can help to monitor the environment throughout the year, take part in education schemes and share their views, spreading the messages of conservation which are essential in preserving ecosystems, plants, and animals.
Education and awareness
In addition to environmental protection, education and awareness schemes are a key element in protecting endangered species. This involves passing on knowledge to future generations to safeguard the sustainability of their natural heritage.
For example, educational trips to places where hippo sightings have been reported are a great way to introduce children to the natural habitat of the species and help preserve their future. Similarly, school workshops and lectures focusing on the environmental threats that affect the concentration of the hippos, and the issues of conservation.
Furthermore, developing initiatives that facilitate community involvement in conservation projects is highly effective in creating an understanding of the wildlife and its importance. Citizens can be actively encouraged to take part in species monitoring and data collection, as well as events such as beach cleans and tree planting.
Finally, the use of technology offers an innovative way to involve the younger generations, creating a stronger connection to the natural world and facilitating the exchange of knowledge. This has seen the enhanced implementation of virtual trips, digital workshops and on-screen activities designed to increase the awareness of local ecosystems and the species who inhabit them.
