The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia convened this Wednesday a National Committee for Invasive Species to define the future of the hippos that were introduced into the country by drug trafficker Pablo Escobar, considering them a species that “represents a threat.”
Hippopotamuses were introduced in Colombia more than 40 years ago and have migrated from Magdalena Medio to the Momposina Depression, according to a study by the Alexander von Humboldt Institute and the National University, being a threat to native species such as the manatee, as well as to ecosystems. strategic of the country.
The study indicates that there are currently 133 specimens in the Colombian territory and that its growth rate is higher than that registered in Africa, for which the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Carlos Eduardo Correa, summoned experts in biodiversity and organizations to analyze the state of the species and “make decisions in the face of this phenomenon”.
They sterilize hippos descendants of those taken by Pablo Escobar in the 80s
The investigation also revealed that there are 3 population groups made up of 4 to 35 individuals, which are concentrated in Doradal, Río Cocorná and Isla del Silencio -in the department of Antioquia-, while in the rest of the areas studied there are family groups made up of 2 to 4 individuals in pairs of adults or families with 1 or 2 offspring.
Among the committee’s plans is to decide whether to declare hippos an invasive species, after which “urgent action” can be taken in this regard.
“We have to act now,” Correa asked.
Transfer of hippos to Ecuador is stopped by outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Colombia
The hippos that are currently in Colombia are descendants of some specimens that belonged to the late Colombian drug trafficker Pablo Escobar.
In 1981, the drug trafficker imported four hippos, three females and one male, from a United States zoo to be part of the collection of exotic animals at his Hacienda Napoles, and which have now reproduced without control. (I)
Source: Eluniverso
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
