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the hippo sect

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What is the hippo sect?

the hippo sect is the part of lucasbags that loves all things hippo! The hippo sect creates hippopotamus stuffed animals that are tons of fun and help to spread the word about hippo conservation, so that generations to come can enjoy this unique and amazing animal! the hippo sect (sect meaning; a course of action or way of life) was created to spread awareness and to help raise funds for the IUCN/SSC Hippo Group. A portion of each sale of a stuffed animal hippo will be donated to the IUCN/SSC Hippo Group to be used as they wish to further conservation for our friends – the hippos. All of our hippos are handmade with TLC and start at $85 (prices may vary on custom orders). We really love these little guys. They measure approximately L20xH10xW8 inches. *each hippo comes with a certificate and helpful hippo conservation information!*

Thank you for your support and keepin' the dream alive!

*each hippos comes with a certificate and helpful hippo conservation info!*

 

meet the hippos


What is the IUCN/SSC Hippo Group within the World Conservation Union?

The IUCN/SSC Hippo Group consists of a group of researchers dedicated to promoting hippo conservation. Members promote scientifically based action for the conservation of common and pygmy hippos, and work to develop and execute programs that study, save, restore and manage hippo populations and their habitats. The Hippo Group is one of several Species Survival Commissions (SSC) developed by the IUCN to foster conservation, research and dissemination of information for species of conservation concern to the international conservation community.

The objectives of the IUCN/ SSC Hippo Group are to:
  1. Monitor the conservation status of hippos and track threats to their persistence.
  2. Identify conservation and research priorities for hippos and their habitat.
  3. Generate recommendations, strategies, and policies that foster hippo conservation.
  4. Enhance the efforts of individual researchers working on hippo biology, ecology, and conservation by offering support, and providing research access to an international forum.
  5. Encourage understanding of the importance of hippo conservation to the international community, including government agencies, land managers, scientists, and the general public.
A few facts about Hippos:

There are two species of hippos in the world today – the Common Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) and the Pygmy Hippopotamus (Hexaprotodon liberiensis). Both are mammals that live in Africa, and each is a member of the family hippopotamidae. Hippos are widely -reported as relatives of the pig but recent studies show a possible relationship with cetaceans (i.e. whales and dolphins).

Both pygmy and common hippos play an important role on the ecosystems of the African wetlands and the surrounding grasslands and forests. Common hippos are also pivotal in the continued survival of many birds and fish. As hippos defecate in the water, they provide the nutrients needed to promote the growth of small plants. The plants serve as food and hiding places for small fish. The small fish attract larger fish, and the larger fish attract birds and other fish eating animals.

To date, relatively little research is available on common hippos (Hippopotamus amphibius) yet what is known is that their presence is a critical element to the overall preservation of Africa's wetlands.

Currently, somewhere between 125,000 and 148,000 common hippos are believed to exist across more than 29 countries of sub-Saharan Africa. This is only about 1/3 the number of elephants living on the continent. Major threats to hippo survival are poaching and loss of habitat. Common hippos have now been recognized as a species Vulnerable to extinction by the IUCN.

No more than 3,000 pygmy hippos are believed to remain in western Africa, with the majority living in Liberia. There have probably never been many pygmy hippos, but due to various threats, including deforestation, oil pollution, and hunting for meat and trophies, pygmy hippos are now recognized as Endangered.

Oliver, W.L.R. (1993) Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan: Pigs, Peccaries and Hippos, IUCN/SSC Hippo Specialists Group; pp. 41-65.
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