The microorganisms are eaten by fish which in turn are eaten by larger fish, aquatic reptiles, and birds. Native people also benefit when fishing, hunting, and traveling the trails and waterways. Originally, hippopotami ranged throughout the continents of Asia, Europe, and Africa. Over the past several hundred years, even their remaining African range has decreased. They are still hunted for meat, for sport, and because they sometimes damage crops.
People also use their large canines instead of elephant ivory.
Today, these animals are found mainly in parks or on preserves where they are protected from poachers. In these safe havens, hippo numbers are slowly increasing. Animal Bytes Copyright 1996 by Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. All Rights Reserved.