Conservationists have condemned Tanzanian authorities for allowing an auction of nearly four tons of hippopotamus teeth on Monday, saying the practice may lead to illegal poaching of the semi-aquatic mammal.
About 3.5 tons of hippo teeth, about 12,500 pieces, were put on sale in the East African country’s commercial hub of Dar es Salaam, with licensed dealers allowed to participate.
Buyers of the teeth were to receive documents confirming ownership.
“Even though some countries still have healthy populations, WWF discourages the consumption of hippopotamus ivory and we are disappointed to see auctions such as this taking place,” AP quotes World Wide Fund expert Colman O’Criodain.
An international “red list” of endangered species classifies the hippo as vulnerable. It estimates that there are up to 130,000 hippos in sub-Saharan Africa.
Hippo teeth can be carved into ornaments before being put up for sale, mainly in Asia.
Unregulated and illegal hunting and trade of hippo teeth—along with habitat loss, climate change, and run-ins with humans—are considered the greatest threats to hippos.
Conservationists warn that the continued sale of hippopotamus teeth would have a similar diminishing effect on them as it did on elephants.
