The common hippopotamus, one of the most emblematic mammals of the African ecosystem, is facing a conservation crisis, worsened by poaching, habitat destruction, and anthrax outbreaks.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), this species is classified as vulnerable, adding new challenges to its survival.
The drastic population reduction in Virunga
The Virunga National Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was home to 29,000 hippos in the 1970s. However, their population has decreased by 95% due to illegal hunting for their tusks’ ivory, environmental degradation, and violence among armed groups in the region.
To these threats is added the spread of infectious diseases, such as anthrax, which can cause mass die-offs in already vulnerable wild populations.
Anthrax outbreak in Virunga: 50 hippos dead
Recently, the Virunga National Park confirmed the death of approximately 50 hippos from anthrax, a highly contagious bacterial disease. The bodies were found floating in Lake Edward and in tributaries near Vitshumbi, Nyakakoma, Lunyasenge, and Kyavinyonge.
The park authorities sent samples of the corpses to the Goma veterinary laboratory, where on April 8, the presence of anthrax was confirmed. In response, the consumption of meat from the dead animals was prohibited due to the risk of human infection.
This is not the first time Virunga has faced anthrax outbreaks. Similar events in previous years have had devastating consequences for the local biodiversity, affecting not only hippos but also other species sharing their habitat.
Impact of anthrax on African wildlife
Anthrax (also known as charcoal) is an infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, whose resistant spores can survive in the soil for decades.
Herbivores often contract the disease by consuming contaminated water or grazing in affected areas, leading to outbreaks of high mortality.
Recent cases include:
- Zimbabwe (January-March 2025): 19 hippos dead in the Sapi and Chirundu safari area. Authorities are investigating possible anthrax outbreaks.
- Gonarezhou Game Reserve (2024): An outbreak affected buffaloes, elephants, and zebras, showing a recurrent pattern of transmission in affected ecosystems.
Ecological and Socioeconomic Consequences
Anthrax outbreaks not only endanger biodiversity but also impact local communities, affecting:
- Eco-tourism, which relies on the conservation of emblematic species.
- Ecosystem sustainability, crucial for rural populations.
- Public health, due to the risk of consumption of contaminated meat.
Urgency in conserving the common hippopotamus
The growing threat to hippos in Africa demands urgent measures:
- Reinforcement of protection in national parks like Virunga.
- Control of infectious diseases to prevent new health crises.
- Regulation of ivory trade, eliminating the demand driving poaching.
Preserving these aquatic giants depends on a rapid and coordinated response, combining governmental action, scientific research, and international cooperation.
Cover photo: Europa Press
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