Colombian authorities consider the hippopotamus an invasive species that poses a serious threat to the local ecosystem. Pollution from their waste poisons rivers, leading to the extinction of local species. The problem seems to be getting worse as hippos have favorable climate and lack of natural predators to threaten them.
Colombian Environment Minister Susana Muhammed insists that reducing hippos’ long-term impact on the environment and ecosystem is a race against time. Officials have taken steps to reduce the number of these animals, but this is a complex and expensive process. In November, the government began sterilizing the hippos, but the three-ton mammals are difficult to catch and each sterilization costs nearly PLN 10,000. Dollars.
“Cocaine hippos” are one of the biggest challenges to invasive species in the world
Experts warn that sterilization may not be enough to stem hippo population growth. In March, the government announced plans to move some of the animals to the Philippines, Mexico and India. Natalie Castblanco-Martinez, an ecologist at the University of Quintana Roo in Mexico, believes the hippo crisis is one of the biggest challenges for invasive species in the world.
According to expert projections, the population of Escobar’s “cocaine hippos” could increase to 1,000 by 2035. Individuals. These endangered animals are already a threat to the communities living along the banks of the rivers where they migrate. Residents fear the aggressive and unpredictable hippos and advise people to take cover as soon as they encounter such an animal.