Target: Martha Williams, Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service
Goal: Protect hippos under the Endangered Species Act to curb importation of hippo byproducts.
Hippos are considered a keystone species, and contribute heavily to the ecosystems of which they are a part. In the lakes and rivers of Africa, hippo waste provides nutrients to aquatic environments, helping to feed the fish and other animals that live alongside them.
Unfortunately, hippo populations have been on a significant decline in recent years. Over the past 10 years, populations have decreased by about 7-20%, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that a mere 115,000- 130,000 hippos remain in the wild. This decline is largely due to loss of habitat and grazing territories and, perhaps more importantly, illegal poaching.
Currently labeled as a “vulnerable” species, these animals aren’t afforded the same protection as those listed under the Endangered Species Act. As one of the main importers of hippo trophy products– such as ivory and skins– the U.S. has the ability to help save this species from extinction. By listing these hippos as endangered, rather than just vulnerable or threatened, it would prevent the importation of hippo goods, making it illegal to participate in this illicit trophy trade.
We must step in and protect hippos before it is too late– the longer we wait, the more this amazing species will decline, perhaps beyond the point of saving. Sign this petition to encourage better protection for hippos by listing them under the Endangered Species Act.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Director Williams,
Hippos are an extremely important asset to aquatic ecosystems throughout Africa, as they provide the rivers and lakes with silicon nutrients otherwise largely unavailable. However, hippo populations have been exponentially declining in recent times, due to extreme habitat loss and illegal poaching. As hippos are currently only listed as “vulnerable,” they do not receive the same protections as they would under the Endangered Species Act.
The United States is one of the main importers of hippo skins and ivory and, as a result, has the power to majorly influence the destruction of this species. If we make it illegal to import these products, we can also help save this species from the brink of extinction. The longer we wait, the lesser the chance of hippo populations recovering.
Entire ecosystems are at risk. We are asking you, Ms. Williams, to please help preserve this amazing species and to list them under the Endangered Species Act.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Bernard DUPONT
It’s finally happened, I wish with all my heart and soul that the human race would die out.
It will. Eventually. And there are angels protecting rare white rhino 24/7 in part of Africa from poachers. Great. But much more needs to be done. These creatures are amazing.
Most definitely the greedy, could care less about Nature humans. I would not wish this on the Indigenous peoples…this is not their fault. If the so-called “civilized” societies had abandoned their ideas of how humans should live (dominating Nature and not being a responsible part of it)…and adopted the ways and ideas of the Indigenous peoples, what a different world we would have today.
Agreed!
Be careful what you wish for! That is the agenda of the deep state with the jab. Human need to repent evil / harmful ways.
Asshole.
You don’t have to worry,the human race does not have much time left.
I wish for that all the time, Kerry. I am happy to see that someone else feels the same way. We are truly the most dangerous and ultimate invasive species on the planet.
I have felt the same way for ages too. There are so many vile, greedy, self-serving people on this planet, they talk about vermin. Humans are the biggest vermin.It is heartening to know there are other people who feel like us.
I agree. So sick of greedy selfish people with no compassion for anything or anyone. Why are we even here?
Kerry, Idlemax … when one has a minimum of empathy and doesn’t look away at the monstrous acts of humans against other animals, it’s inevitable to wish we would disappear. I thought I was weird, but I’m not alone in feeling like you and many, many others. Sadly, we are the true “minority” among the human race. A tragedy for other creatures and for the planet.
I just went to Kenya & Tanzania Africa (june 2022)..& i spoke to our guides about poaching..the national parks have drones that patrol looking for poachers..they take this very seriously protecting the animals..anyone caught poaching faces 20 yrs in jail & a $20 million fine..
but unfortunaly they do conduct hunting safaris..
There is a country who sell off their animals to hunters. The government makes money selling them off
The canned hunts of lions is dispicable
Never would think hippos were endangered
Shame on the United States. The ban lifted yo bring in animal parts this allowing hippos skin and parts in sick greedy monsters this has to stop
Know what is really disgusting? A movie producer is being investigated for death of a poacher years ago.GIVE HER A MEDAL!!!!
Yes I read about that she should get a medal!
Xx
All poachers should be shot on site. Humans are killing wildlife for the most ridiculous reasons and greedy, rich assholes pay big money to get what they want. Do not think the African government is doing much to protect these animals .
Agree!!!!!
While animals are becoming extinct because of the behaviour of humans there are others intent on making things worse by killing them for profit. The human, the most dangerous animal on the planet!
Poachers are scum, however they need to feed their families. We need to destroy the problem at source: greedy billionaires who prevent the world to get rid of poverty. There’s enough resources for everyone on this planet, but Earth cannot survive with billionaires controlling society. EAT THE RICH!
ALL POACHERS SHPULD BE ONES KILLED AND TORTURED AND NOT HIPPOS!!! STOP POACHING HIPPOS IMMEDIATELY!!!!
DEATH PENALTY for ALL POACHERS and CYNICAL BILLIONAIRES who destroy our planet with their billions! They commit EXTREME ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME and should be put in front of a firing squad!!! Just SHOOT them ON SITE. Human garbage and lowlife human scum. They don’t deserve this planet!!
I agree with all the comments here and I desperately want to see these magnificent creatures protected and conserved. I am concerned however that various wildlife conservation groups have labeled Martha Williams as an avid trophy hunter. I just hope it’s not true.
There is a country who sell off their animals to hunters. The government makes money selling them off
The canned hunts of lions is dispicable
Never would think hippos were endangered
Shame on the United States. The ban lifted yo bring in animal parts this allowing hippos skin and parts in sick greedy monsters this has to stop. How nying needs to be banned poachers should face the death penalty and who is hiring to do it should be brought to justice also
Hippos should be afforded the same protection as those listed under the Endangered Species Act. Why are they not already listed along with countless other species?
Get them listed immediately! The laws as they stand are not severe and probably not enforced. Severe and maximum punishment for harm to any animal. Sale and purchase of ALL animal parts should be banned worldwide! Those caught should receive maximum jail time and shut down permanently!
Local laws should be adhered to and 24 hours surveillance is necessary!
This is one of the most disgraceful things I’ve read in a long time. This needs to be stopped now 🤬
People don’t care about killing all the animals for their own satisfaction . Once all the animals are gone on this earth humans are the next to face extension because we are all connected and dependent on each other. If stricter laws and the capturing of poachers then life for all is doomed.
What the fuck would anyone want with a hippo skin??? Or tusks?? “Ooo you can carve pretty things outta them! Ooooh” go fuck yourself, draw a fucking picture.
Dear Director Williams,
We sign and sign … but it seems that nobody gives a damn, the massacre continues and the greedy ill-born cowards continue massacring hippos to engross their stinky pockets …
Can’t you do something ,,,
Thank you!
Agree all comments kill the bastards who do this now.
Dear Director Williams,
PLEASE HELP HIPPOS FROM EXTINCTION
WON’T YOU LIST THEM UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES aCT?
MUCH OBLIGED!