The pygmy hippopotamus has a severely fragmented distribution and is under increasing pressure from logging, farming and human settlement. The latest data suggest that only 2,000-3,000 individuals remain in the wild, mostly concentrated in Liberia and Sierra Leone. There has been little action to protect pygmy hippo habitat or populations. According to the IUCN/SSC Hippo Specialist Subgroup, unless effective protection or conservation actions are taken, the viability of this species should be considered extremely poor. Focused conservation attention on via populations in secure regions is strongly recommended. One of the most important surviving populations of pygmy hippos is thought to survive in Sapo National Park, Liberia.

EDGE researchers in collaboration with Flora and Fauna International (FFI) and a Liberian EDGE Fellow will gather extensive data on the population and distribution of pygmy hippos and other threatened species in Sapo National Park. The main threats facing pygmy hippos in and around the park will be assessed, and the information used to develop a comprehensive Conservation Action Plan for the Sapo population. Education and awareness activities will be arranged for local communities, informing people of the pygmy hippo and its conservation importance.

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£1000 Could cover in-country training and field costs for a local student to research and help conserve an EDGE species.