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Welcome to the
Hippo Specialist Group
of the
World Conservation Union

IUCN
The World Conservation

SSC Logo

The IUCN/SSC Hippo Specialist SubGroup promotes scientifically-based action for the conservation of common and pygmy hippos. We work to develop and execute programs that study, save, restore and manage hippo populations and their habitats. Hippo Herd
The Hippo SubGroup is a Specialist Group of the Pigs, Peccaries, and Hippos Species Survival Commission (SSC), one of many  SSCs developed by the IUCN to foster conservation, research and dissemination of information for species of conservation concern to the international conservation community.  The common hippo (Hippopotamus amphibius) and its pygmy counterpart (Hexaprotodon liberiensis) face an uncertain future. Immediate action is needed to prevent future conservation crises for these two species. The common hippo, once found widely throughout the Nile region and western Africa, is now only abundant in East Africa. The pygmy hippo faces more immediate danger, as there are an estimated 2,000-3,000 individuals remaining.


Pygmy Face Both hippo species face the threat of habitat loss. For pygmy hippos, large-scale logging has caused po pulation declines. Common hippos are threatened by human settlement and agricultural development that has compromised much of the wetland habitats on which hippos rely. Poaching for meat and ivory has also contributed to common hippo population reductions. Both species have suffered as a result of war and fighting.
UPDATE: FUTURE OF AFRICA'S WETLAND
ICONS HANGS IN BALANCE
UPDATE: COMMON AND PYGMY
HIPPO RELISTING