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The Colombian government has implemented a Management and Control Plan to combat the spread of hippopotamuses. This will include surgical sterilization, mobility and killing of some specimens. The
The Colombian government has implemented a Management and Control Plan to combat the spread of hippopotamuses. This will include surgical sterilization, mobility and killing of some specimens.
The problem started after release of some copies that belonged 40 years ago, drug dealer Pablo Escobar, but today it is considered an invasive species.
For this reason, the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Susana Muhamad, issued a statement saying that The presence of these animals has damaged local biodiversity. and poses risks due to its aggressiveness.
He warned that it all starts next week stage of surgical sterilization of hippopotamuses in Colombia, which is provided for by the Management and Control Plan of the national government with the support of the Alexander von Humboldt Institute and the Institute of Natural Sciences of the National University.
Photo: Special
However, this process is complex and expensive, with significant differences in sterilization of males and females.
But this will be carried out on the basis of an agreement between the environmental portfolio, the Regional Autonomous Corporation of the Negro and Nare River Basins (Cornare) and the Government of Antioquia. sterilize 20 people this year with an investment of over 808 million pesosalthough the goal is to do this with 40 hippos per year.
“It costs the country P40 million to carry out sterilization; Therefore it is a complex process. In addition, there are differences between males and females; sterilization of a female is much more difficult. We must clarify that this is not the only strategy and it will not be enough, we will not be able to control the population. only with the issue of sterilization,” Minister Muhamad emphasized.
During each procedure, the official warned: Eight people will work, including veterinarians, technicians, support staff and government officials.
In addition to sterilization, The government is also considering other measures, such as transferring hippos to other countries. and ethical euthanasia.
“The three strategies must work simultaneously. Here we are in a race against time in terms of the ongoing impacts on the environment and ecosystems that arise and Therefore, it cannot be said that any one strategy is effective. for our goal, which is to control the population. We strive to implement this plan as soon as possible precisely so that the consequences stop,” he emphasized.
Regarding the transfer of animals, Colombia announced that it had sent messages authorities of Mexico, India and the Philippines, although the process of sending 60 hippos to India is already being analyzed.
The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development has called on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to submit proposals carry out surgical sterilization of hippopotamuses, with a deadline of November 30.
Photo: Gettys
The hippos who lived in the Napoles hacienda, which belonged to Escobar in the department of Antioquia, have been breeding uncontrollably since they arrived illegally in Colombia, approximately 40 years old.
What started with the unauthorized introduction of four hippos from Africa led to an increase in the population to 169 people. People who now live freely in Colombian rivers and wetlands.
Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development predicted that by 2035 there could be a thousand copies. in Colombia, which would pose a threat to that country’s wildlife.
Due to this situation, from 2022 hippopotamuses have been classified as as an invasive species in Colombia.
Source: Aristegui Noticias
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