... catching hippos not an easy task

PEAK – Catching a hippo is not as easy as catching a goat.

PIGG’S

Hippos, the second largest land animals after elephants, are causing concerns among residents at Nkomazi due to their high numbers and potential dangers.

Ted ‘Jubela’ Reilly, a wildlife expert, shed light on the challenges of dealing with hippos, particularly when they are in water.

Reilly, who was contacted about the residents’ concerns, explained that capturing hippos in water is no easy task. He said the difficulties posed by rivers like the Nkomazi, where the flowing water makes the task even more challenging. In response to the community’s worries, the Big Game Parks organisation dispatched a team to monitor the hippos and find ways to control their impact on the surrounding communities.

One proposed method to deter the hippos from entering residential areas involves the use of electric fencing. Reilly affirmed that electric fencing has proven to be highly effective in deterring these massive creatures. When questioned about safety concerns and potential harm to the animals, Reilly assured that the electric charge delivered by the fencing was milder, comparable to a firm slap. The intention is to startle the hippos and drive them away, rather than cause them any harm. Reilly said electric fencing was not only a solution for residential areas; it could also be used by farmers growing crop. By implementing electric fencing around their fields, farmers could safeguard their crops from being devoured by the hungry hippos that walk in quietly when they are fast asleep.

The Nkomazi community, while concerned about the presence of hippos, is relieved to see proactive measures being taken to protect both the residents and the animals. With the implementation of electric fencing and ongoing monitoring, it is hoped that a harmonious coexistence between humans and hippos could be achieved.