Liberia's Pygmy Hippos Endangered by Illegal Mining

Liberia's national parks, including Grebo-Krahn and Sapo, face severe threats from illegal artisanal mining, hunting, and deforestation. These destructive human activities are critically endangering the pygmy hippopotamus, a species found only in West Africa, with an estimated 200 to 300 individuals remaining in the wild within Liberia. The escalating environmental pressures are directly linked to reduced park ranger patrols, which have been curtailed due to underfunding, creating a permissive environment for illegal exploitation of natural resources.

Conservation efforts are further hampered by staffing shortages resulting from government retirements and other losses, weakening enforcement capabilities. Infrastructure across the parks is also in poor condition, hindering effective monitoring and operations. To counteract these challenges, Liberia has initiated livelihood programs in adjacent communities, offering alternative income streams such as savings schemes and sustainable farming, alongside a presidential order deploying armed forces to safeguard the parks and their inhabitants.

The Forestry Development Authority is strengthening conservation through enhanced law enforcement, community-based surveillance, and improved monitoring. Plans include creating ecological corridors and promoting a 'green economy' focused on women-led enterprises, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture. Between 2019 and mid-2025, over 200 pygmy hippo sightings were recorded, a decrease from earlier estimates, highlighting the urgent need for these multifaceted protection strategies.