CSRS in Ivory Coast -
Pygmy hippopotamus
Pygmy hippopotamus - Ivory Coast
The Swiss Center for Scientific Research (CSRS) has been established in Ivory Coast since 1951. It is under the dual supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MESRS) in Ivory Coast, and the State Secretariat for Training, Research and Innovation (SERI) in Switzerland.
One of the main objectives of the research group "Conservation and Valorization of Natural Resources" is to implement biodiversity conservation projects in the Taï National Park located northwest of Abidjan in Ivory Coast.
The pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) is a rare and endangered species whose habitat is limited to the Upper Guinean Forest. This habitat has been greatly reduced by massive deforestation and agriculture as well as illegal mining.
This shy forest animal lives in an area of 5,000 km² in West Africa, with the Taï National Park, as the last true bastion in the natural environment. Fewer than 3,000 individuals were counted in 1994, but given current pressures, numbers are likely to be much lower.
Several axes are followed:
- the creation of an ecological corridor,
- zoological, botanical and socio-economic studies,
- awareness-raising activities to maintain or even increase community mobilization,
- support for community development, etc.
Fields of action:
- applied research
- conservation and enhancement of natural resources
- environment and health
- economic support and development
- food security and nutrition
For more information:
Target species(s) : the pygmy hippopotamus
The pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) is a species threatened by the degradation of its habitat. It is classified "In danger of extinction" on the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Role of the Reserve
- Our partnership made it possible to organize the 2022 edition of "Pygmy Hippopotamus Day". Through awareness-raising activities with schools, the aim is to generate support and awareness among local communities, and especially children, about biodiversity, with a particular focus on the pygmy hippopotamus.