Hippopotami are still hunted for meat, for sport, and because they sometimes damage crops. People also use their large canines instead of elephant ivory. The hippo is at risk from the effect of climate change on its watery refuge. If the African climate becomes drier the pools and rivers essential to the existence of hippos will also dry up leaving no refuge for them.
The hippopotamus habitat comprises of rivers and lakes in grasslands throughout West and East Central Africa. The two modern sub-species of hippos, found only in Africa, differ in size, diet, and habitat.
Hippopotamus amphibius tschadensis is found in Chad and Niger.
Hippopotami are extinct in the northern and southern parts of their original range. Originally, hippopotami ranged throughout the continents of Asia, Europe, and Africa. Over the past several hundred years, even their remaining African range has decreased. Hippopotami are found mainly in parks or on reserves where they are protected from poachers. In these safe havens, hippo numbers are slowly increasing.
Hippopotami amphibius tschadensis is considered by the IUCN as "Vulnerable". CITES lists the species as "Appendix 2".