WILDLIFE PROTECTION: FACTS ABOUT THE COMMON HIPPOPOTAMUS.

The need for a symbiotic relationship between man and nature can not be overemphasized. 

This short report highlights the benefits of common hippopotamus and it is hoped that this helps in biodiversity protection.

1. The Common Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious) is a semi-aquatic #mammal that lives in shallow lakes, rivers, and swamps. Usually, hippos spend up to 16 hours a day submerged in rivers and lakes to keep their massive bodies cool under the hot #African sun.

2. Although breeding is not strictly seasonal, conception usually occurs during the dry season, between February and August, and offsprings are born during the rainy season, between October and April. 

3. The hippopotamus contributes to the productivity of aquatic system where it lives. They defecate in the water, and their excrement enriches the nutrients in the water, resulting in favourable conditions for large fish populations.

4. The population of hippos used to be in abundance in Nigeria, especially in places with sufficient water like Bonny Island in 

@riversstategov

Unfortunately, the Common Hippopotamus is now listed as vulnerable on the @IUCNRedList.

5. Habitat degradation and loss, hunting, and negative human-wildlife interactions, hippos are threatening this species. At Bonny Island, Rivers State the last sighting of a hippo was recorded over ten years ago. 

A statue of Hippopotamus at Finima Nature Park.

#ProtectWildlife

Credits: @ncfnigeria.