Hippos are the third-largest terrestrial mammal. Unregulated hunting for their meat, skin, and teeth, combined with shrinking habitats and increased hippo-human conflict have led to the decline of hippo populations across Africa.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies hippos as vulnerable. IUCN estimates that there are up to 130,000 hippos in sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, hippos are confined to protected areas and over the past 10 years, their population has continued to shrink.

Hippo teeth are carved into ornaments before being put up for sale, mainly in Asia.