Africa-Press – Mozambique. The National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) announced the end of the hippopotamus monitoring operation in Maputo Bay on December 31.
A young hippo emerged in Maputo Bay near the Katembe Bridge, a location close to its natural habitat, at around 4:00 pm on December 20, 2022.
The National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) immediately started monitoring the animal’s movements.
The appearance of the hippopotamus in Maputo Bay is the result of inter-communication between freshwater rivers and the sea estuary. It is presumed that the animal came from the Maputo river, which flows into Maputo Bay.
To avoid the hippopotamus posing any danger to the public, the ANAC launched preventive measures in coordination with the Katembe Municipal District Administration, the National Institute of the Navy (INAMAR), the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM), the National Agency for Environmental Quality Control (AQUA) of Maputo Province and the private sector.
These entities were on standby for any eventuality.
The hippopotamus is one of the five endemic large wildlife species. It is usually a calm, serene animal when not feeling threatened by human presence, and would naturally search for a way back to its usual habitat.
The ANAC therefore appealed to the general population to avoid approaching the vicinity where the animal was found. Sailors and other maritime navigation professionals were also asked to pay particular attention when crossing the bay.
‘Operation Hippo’ was launched on December 21, 2022, coordinated by ANAC, and involved the following entities.
– Ka Tembe Municipal District Council (INAMAR);
– Police for the Protection of Natural Resources (Maritime Police);
– Coastal Police;
– Port of Maputo;
– Maputo National Park;
– Private Sector and;
– Ka Tembe community leaders.
Surveillance and monitoring teams carried out 24-hour monitoring of the animal’s movement.
The animal was visible for four days, emerging at night to feed on the banks. It was recorded as having returned to the Maputo River for 24 hours and then returning to Bahia.
On December 31st, six days after the hippo’s last appearance in Maputo Bay, ANAC declared ‘Operation Hippo’ officially over.
ANAC would like to thank all the institutions that promptly made themselves available to carry out this noble and important mission of guaranteeing the harmonious co-existence of man and wildlife.
Gratitude was especially due to the owners of Restaurante Diogo, and to the community leaders and residents of Ka Tembe for their patience and sensitivity.
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