Hunt History

Humans reached Madagascar several centuries ago (likely ~1,500–2,000 years ago). The arrival of humans introduced a new predator / forager dynamic into Malagasy ecosystems previously lacking large mammalian predators. The diminutive, semi-aquatic H. lemerlei would have been vulnerable to opportunistic hunting, especially for meat, fat, and bone.

Some hippo remains (at least seven bones) show cut marks, percussion marks, or other tool-made modifications. These marks indicate butchery, likely to extract meat, marrow, and possibly other usable parts (e.g. bone for tools)

Because H. lemerlei was small and living in and near water, humans may have hunted them in shallow water margins, ambushing or targeting individuals when they came to drink or during dry seasons when water receded.

It is also possible that some hunts were scavenging dead or stranded animals rather than active pursuit, given the difficulty of confronting a semi-aquatic hippo.

Over time, repeated pressure and perhaps combined with habitat alteration (e.g. forest clearing, watercourse changes by humans) likely drove population declines until extinction.