A feared hippopotamus, responsible for killing a fisherman and injuring another in Yauri, north-western Nigeria, has been hunted and killed by local rice farmers and fishermen. The Kebbi state government had ordered the animal’s elimination due to safety concerns.
Relief and Celebration
Residents of Yauri, who had lived in terror of the hippo, celebrated its demise. “We’re happy it’s been killed,” resident Sani Yauri told the BBC. “People came out in jubilation and got their share of the meat.”
Conservation Concerns
However, animal rights activists have condemned the killing, citing the hippopotamus’s endangered status. “This is a threatened species,” said Isyaku Abdullahi, founder of Nigeria’s African Voice for Animals Initiative. “The community should have reported it to authorities for capture and relocation.”
Hippo Facts
- Third-Largest Land Mammal: Hippos can weigh up to 1,500kg (3,300lb)
- Deadly Force: Hippos kill around 500 people annually in Africa
- Speed and Strength: Despite size, hippos can reach 20mph (32km/h) and have 50.8cm (20in) long teeth
The incident highlights the complex relationship between humans and wildlife in rural Nigeria, where conservation efforts often clash with community safety concerns.
Background:
- Declining Population: Nigeria’s hippo population has dropped significantly, with estimates suggesting only 100 animals remain
- Conservation Status: The common hippopotamus is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) red list
- Cultural Significance: Kebbi state hosts the annual Argungu Fishing Festival, a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage event
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