Hippo Population by Country 2026
Country | Estimated Hippo Population 2019↓ | |
|---|---|---|
 | Zambia | 42,500 |
 | Tanzania | 20,000 |
 | Uganda | 8,500 |
 | South Africa | 7,000 |
 | Kenya | 6,000 |
 | DR Congo | 5,000 |
 | Zimbabwe | 5,000 |
 | Namibia | 3,500 |
 | Mozambique | 3,000 |
 | Malawi | 3,000 |
 | Botswana | 3,000 |
 | Ethiopia | 2,500 |
 | South Sudan | 2,500 |
 | Cameroon | 1,750 |
 | Burkina Faso | 1,750 |
 | Rwanda | 1,000 |
 | Burundi | 750 |
 | Angola | 500 |
 | Chad | 500 |
 | Guinea | 500 |
 | Benin | 500 |
 | Central African Republic | 350 |
 | Guinea-Bissau | 350 |
 | Gabon | 250 |
 | Ghana | 175 |
 | Niger | 175 |
 | Nigeria | 150 |
 | Sierra Leone | 150 |
 | Mali | 100 |
 | Equatorial Guinea | 75 |
 | Somalia | 50 |
 | Republic of the Congo | 50 |
 | Gambia | 40 |
| Total | 120,665 |
- For data provided as ranges, the midpoint of each range was used.
Hippopotamuses, known for their impressive size and semi-aquatic lifestyle, are currently facing a concerning decline in population across the globe. Despite thriving in protected areas, the overall number of these majestic creatures has been steadily decreasing over the last decade. However, there are ongoing conservation efforts aimed at reversing this trend and safeguarding the future of hippos.
Current State of the Hippo Population
Recent estimates by SAFE.org suggest that the number of common hippos in the world ranges between 125,000 and 148,000. This figure represents a slight increase from the 2017 count, which estimated the population to be around 115,000 to 130,000. Despite this incremental rise, hippos remain classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, indicating the species still faces significant risks.
The pygmy hippo, a smaller relative of the common hippo, is even more endangered, with an estimated population of just 2,000 to 3,000. Their declining numbers are primarily due to habitat loss and hunting. Both common and pygmy hippos inhabit wetland areas and rely on environments like swamps, rivers, wallows, and streams for survival. Factors like logging, deforestation, and poaching have significantly impacted their populations.
Hippo Population Distribution by Country
As of 2023, the distribution of the hippo population varies considerably from one country to another, largely depending on the availability of protected areas, food sources, and suitable habitats. The majority of hippos, about 77%, are located in East Africa, with Zambia and Tanzania boasting the largest hippo populations in the world.
These countries, along with others that host hippo populations, are intensifying their conservation efforts. The goal is to not only stabilize but also increase the number of hippos in their native habitats over the coming decade. Through these concerted efforts, conservationists hope to ensure the survival and flourishing of hippopotamuses in the wild.
