Bio-diversity

Project Background and Intended Result Pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis), or Pygmy hippo, is literally known in some Liberian languages as water cow . The animal spends most of its time in water, along banks of rivers or creeks, or in marshy areas. It may spend short time on dry land either to quickly find food or to move from one wet area to another. Waikuwait (2001) mentioned that Pygmy hippo was found in associations of swamp areas and watercourses in dense forest stands in and outside the Sapo National Park. He also observed that the animal can move in mixed habitats (this could mean upland high forest, lowland high forest, or marshy areas). Pygmy hippopotamus is worthy of being a flag-shape species for Liberia because of its level of endemism. Furthermore, it is on the Threatened Species list and fully protected by the Wildlife Law of Liberia. Unfortunately, the range of the animal seems to be declining rapidly. This creates the need to investigate its presence and to engage in sustainable management of its habitats. PROJECT OBJECTIVE AND EXPECTED RESULT The goal of the project is to contribute to the conservation and protection of Pygmy hippopotamus and its habitat in Liberia which, in the long run, will significantly impact the protection and conservation of other endangered fauna species in the Upper Guinea Rainforest of West Africa Put in place baseline information for Pygmy Hippopotamus conservation for SE Liberia in particular and Liberia in general, through biodiversity and land-use assessments of the two target sites, (2) Build the capacity of communities around the habitat of the animal for effecting community-based hippo conservation measures/strategies, through environmental education and training programmes, and the initiation of sustainable alternative livelihood options, and (3) Pilot a Pygmy hippo sanctuary at the target Toffer Town In Zwerdru , Grand Gedeh City) with the hope of replicating the strategy elsewhere either in Liberia and .

Liberia