A new method to determine the diet of pygmy hippopotamus in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire

Researchers developed a novel method to determine the diet of pygmy hippopotamuses (Choeropsis liberiensis), an endangered herbivore, using fecal analysis and plant epidermis fragments. The study, conducted in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, identified at least seven plant species—including monocotyledonae, dicotyledonae, and ferns—as key dietary components. Pygmy hippopotamuses were classified as intermediate feeders, with a preference for specific plants. The method combines Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) of epidermis fragments with visual inspection, offering a non-invasive approach to diet assessment. Findings provide critical insights for conservation strategies and captive breeding programs, particularly for this species with fewer than 2,500 adults remaining in the wild.

Hendier, A., Chatelain, C., Du Pasquier, P.-E., Paris, M., Ouattara, K., Koné, I., Croll, D., & Zuberbühler, K. (2021). A new method to determine the diet of pygmy hippopotamus in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire. African Journal of Ecology, 59(4), 809–825. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.12888