What Is Killing Lake Naivasha Hippos? Fresh Carcasses Raise Alarm Among Fishermen

Mystery continues to surround the deaths of hippopotamuses at Lake Naivasha after several carcasses were discovered in different sections of the lake, raising concerns among fishermen and wildlife conservationists.

The deaths have sparked fears of possible poisoning, with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) scientists investigating what could be behind the unusual incidents reported over the past two weeks.

The latest incident involved four more hippos whose carcasses were discovered around Kibokoni and the Malewa River areas, bringing the number of reported deaths to six within one week.

According to fishermen, the animals were found floating in the lake with bloated stomachs and no visible physical injuries, raising suspicions that they might have consumed poisonous substances.

Laban Ewoi, a member of the Kamere Beach Management Unit, said the discovery of several dead hippos within a short period was unusual and called for urgent investigations.

Grace Nyambura, from the Lake Naivasha and Lake Oloiden Fishermen’s Organisation, also expressed concern, describing the incidents as among the highest numbers of hippo deaths witnessed in the lake in recent years.

KWS communication officer Duncan Juma confirmed that patrol teams had been dispatched to collect samples from the carcasses to establish what caused the deaths.

However, heavy rainfall and water hyacinth around the affected areas have reportedly complicated efforts to access some of the carcasses.

The latest deaths come barely days after two other hippos were found dead near Kamere Beach, prompting similar fears that the animals could have been poisoned after feeding on contaminated crops.

However, postmortem examinations established that the two animals died from different causes. One had consumed excessive quantities of cereals, resulting in bloating, while another died after ingesting fishing nets that compromised its digestive system.

The deaths have also drawn attention to the growing human-wildlife conflict around Lake Naivasha.

Rising water levels have submerged some of the hippos’ traditional grazing areas, forcing the animals to venture into neighbouring farms and residential estates in search of food.

The situation has increased encounters between residents, fishermen and the animals, with hippos also blamed for destroying crops and attacking people around the lake.

A previous census by the Wildlife Research and Training Institute indicated that Lake Naivasha had more than 500 hippos.

As investigations continue, the latest deaths have raised fresh questions about the safety of wildlife around the lake and the possible dangers posed by human activities.

Carl254 feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com