The pygmy hippopotamus, a rare treasure of West African biodiversity, is in great danger. In Ivory Coast, deforestation and the explosion of illegal gold mining are directly attacking the last refuges of this elusive mammal.

This is the cry of alarm raised by Professor Karim Ouattara, a researcher at the Swiss Center for Scientific Research (CSRS) in Ivory Coast, during a workshop organized on May 29, 2026 in Adiopodoumé. This meeting aimed to lay the foundations for an urgent research-action plan to save the species.

Mercury: an invisible poison for ultra-sensitive skin

While deforestation is encroaching on its habitat—limiting its food sources, reproduction, and movement—it is illegal gold mining that is currently dealing the hardest blow. Researchers point to the massive and uncontrolled use of mercury to extract gold.

"The pygmy hippopotamus spends a large part of its day in the water. However, its skin is particularly sensitive. The pollution of waterways by mercury and other substances used in illegal gold mining has harmful effects on its health and survival," warned Professor Ouattara.

A habitat that is shrinking rapidly.

Today, this small hippopotamus survives in only four countries in the region:

1. Ivory Coast
2. Liberia
3. Sierra Leone
4. Guinea

Proof of the seriousness of the situation, the species is classified as "Endangered" on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List. A critical status it has unfortunately suffered since 2007.

Faced with this ecological emergency, scientists and experts gathered in Adiopodoumé are calling for a general mobilization. To prevent the definitive disappearance of this emblematic animal of Ivorian heritage, they are advocating for an immediate strengthening of conservation efforts on the ground, scientific research, and awareness campaigns for local populations.