Hippos in grazing land dispute with people

NKOMAZI – Hippos are known to be very territorial creatures and are known to kill to defend their territory. They are encountering one problem at Nkomazi in northern Hhohho, – they are running out of territory.

This is because the rising number of people cultivating crops closer to rivers is posing a threat to hippos, also known as hippopotamus (river horse).

These majestic creatures, being sensitive to sunlight, prefer to reside in water bodies to cool off.

They often occupy ponds near vegetation-rich areas, where they feed on a plants.

However, increasing settlements, particularly in river areas like Nkomazi, are shrinking the natural habitats that hippos rely on.

Ted ‘Jubela’ Reilly, a dedicated game ranger at Big Five Game Parks, shed light on the challenges faced by hippos due to diminishing space.

Reilly was made aware of concerns from Nkomazi residents who observed a seemingly higher number of hippos roaming freely in the area, compared to the past.

One of these hippos is now a popular sight near Nkomazi Bridge, where it occupies shallow section of the river.

When asked if this rise in numbers was due to a surge in the hippo population,

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Reilly clarified that hippos have always been a part of the Nkomazi area’s ecosystem.

He explained that in the past, although there might not have appeared to be as many hippos, they had ample habitats that allowed them to live without significant interactions with human beings.

However, the situation has changed over time.

Reilly emphasised that it is not the increasing population of hippos causing the issue, but rather the encroachment of human settlements on their natural habitats. He stated that hippos have always existed in the area, but their habitat has been compromised due to human activities.

The game ranger further elaborated that as people began cultivating crops in areas where hippos previously fed, the hippos were forced to move further inland in search of sustenance.

The reduction in available food sources near water bodies has driven them to explore new territories, according to Reilly.

Reilly stressed that it is essential to acknowledge the long-standing presence of hippos in the region and understand that their current situation is a result of human impact.

The expansion of agricultural activities closer to their habitats has disrupted their natural feeding patterns and forced them to adapt by venturing further inland.

Further, this does not mean that Big Five Game parks would not assist the public to manage the animals.

According to Reilly, efforts to mitigate the issue are underway as this would help to strike a balance between human settlements and the preservation of hippo habitats.