The Afrotropical Suids - IUCN

members of these groups through genetic "finger-printing" to see how genetically
heterogeneous they are. This would normally involve the taking of blood or tissue
samples, which would not be an easy task, and the possibility of using alternative
techniques should be investigated.
6. Develop guidelines for the enhanced future management of captive populations of both
species.
Both species of hippopotamus breed well in captivity but this is of greater significance
in the case of the much rarer pygmy hippopotamus, for which captive breeding may
become an essential means of conserving the species. Present efforts to achieve a
genetically diverse population in the world's zoos through selective breeding should be
supported. Further research into the routine husbandry techniques and demographic
management of the species is required in order to improve reproductive success
amongst captive animals.
C. Management of Common Hippopotamus for Profit.
The pygmy hippopotamus is probably too rare for trade in its products to be viable, but
the common hippopotamus has a commercial value on account of its meat, hide and teeth.
The meat is palatable and is readily eaten throughout Africa when it is available. The
traditional use of the hide for the manufacture of whips and shields has declined but new
techniques for its use in the manufacture of shoe leather are being developed. The canine
teeth, which resemble small elephant tusks, have always found a ready market amongst
craftsmen for the production of carvings or for incorporation into ornaments and other
wildlife trinkets. Incisor teeth, although less valuable, may also be used in this way.
There is a fear that the banning of the ivory trade resulting from the recent listing of the
African elephant on Appendix I of CITES will result in an increased demand for
hippopotamus tusks. The evidence that this is happening is slight but it is certainly a
possibility that needs further investigation. The rational exploitation of the hippopotamus
has rarely been attempted and for its future success, several aspects require investigation.
Some of these are listed below.
1. Establish the locations of hippopotamus populations that are large enough to sustain
regular cropping. (If it takes place, the proposed cropping scheme at Ifakara in
Tanzania could provide useful information in this context.)
2. Investigate improved ways of estimating sustainable yields from hippopotamus
populations in terms of meat and ivory.
3. Establish the best techniques for the harvesting and processing of exploited
hippopotamus populations.
4. Carry out market research into the sale of hippopotamus products.
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