Colombia and India assess hippo invasion in Magdalena Medio

A delegation of experts from India's Vantara Sanctuary spent four days in Colombia's Magdalena Medio region, traveling from Puerto Triunfo to Barrancabermeja and conducting aerial surveys. They examined the growing population of invasive hippopotamuses and discussed possible management measures, including relocation of some individuals to India, creation of a local sanctuary, sterilisation, immunocastration, confinement and community education.

Cornare, the regional environmental authority, briefed the visitors on current actions and coordinated with Colombia's Ministry of Environment, which is handling diplomatic protocols under CITES. No final decision has been made; the Indian experts will return home to analyse the data and present recommendations in the coming months.