Threats and Conservation Strategies of Pygmy Hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) in Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone

Abstract

The pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) is one of the rarest animals to be found in and around Tiwai Island in Sierra
Leone. An assessment of species’ threats and causes is important to establish a robust baseline for future conservation efforts. There is
insufficient information on the threats to C. liberiensisin and around Tiwai island, hence, this study. The study was conducted at Tiwai
Island edge communities, South-Eastern Sierra Leone; seven communities (Mapoma, Segbema, Geima, Kabama, Jenneh, Nyanahun, and
Booma) on both sides of the island were purposively sampled based on the objectives of the study. The data were obtained using a
structured questionnaire, oral interview, and reconnaissance surveys. The level of impact of poaching, habitat loss and fragmentation,
climate change, and illegal wildlife trade was high, human-wildlife conflict was moderate and natural predator was low. Urbanization,
poverty, agricultural expansion, lack of adequate legislation to prohibit illegal trading, greed, lack of proper funding, diverse demand and
usage, were all identified to be the causes of the threats in and around the study area. Additionally, habitat loss and fragmentation were
identified to be the primary threats to the quality, extent and continuity of habitat in pygmy hippopotamus range in and around Tiwai
Island. Likewise, some of the food items consumed by the species are been competitive with human utilizations. Thus, conservation
education programs about C. liberiensis and other remarkable wildlife species should be carried out in communities in and around Tiwai
Island. Furthermore, community farmers should be warned from clearing of water catchment areas, forests, plantations, and swamps
edges as these are areas plants are wildly grown that served as food preferences for pygmy hippos.