Director says relocating hippos is complicated and risky
Relocating hippos after a boat accident is a complex and risky endeavor, says Malawi's National Parks director.
NSANJE, Malawi — The director of Malawi's National Parks and Wildlife Department said Thursday that relocating hippos from a river where they caused a boat accident earlier this week would be a complicated and risky exercise, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
Brighton Kumchedwa told AfricaBrief that the idea of moving the hippos from the Shire River sounded good, but it involved immobilizing the animals with sedatives that could cause them to drown.
"These water-living animals have a sedating process that has to be done in the water itself," he said.
"The consequence is that immobilized animals will drown and never wake up again."
Kumchedwa was responding to a call from Gladys Ganda, the lawmaker representing Nsanje Lalanje, who expressed concern about the safety of her constituents following a boat capsizing on Monday morning near Phokera dock.
The incident was caused by a hippo attack.
Seven individuals lost their lives, 13 managed to survive, and 17 individuals remain unaccounted for.
Ganda said the hippos were not only a threat to human lives but also to crops and livelihoods of the communities along the river.
She urged the government to relocate the hippos to another place where they would not pose a danger to people.
But Kumchedwa said such a move would require a lot of resources and expertise, as well as an environmental impact assessment.
He said his department was working with local leaders and communities to raise awareness on how to coexist with the hippos and avoid conflicts.
He also appealed for more funding and equipment to enhance patrols and surveillance on the river.
Hippos are considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. They are highly territorial and aggressive, especially when they feel threatened or disturbed.
They can weigh up to 3,000 kilograms (6,600 pounds) and run up to 30 kilometres (19 miles) per hour on land.