ZooParc-trained tracking dog finds tracks of endangered pygmy hippopotamus in Ivory Coast

Specially trained tracking dog Boyd, deployed by Institute for Breeding Rare and Endangered African Mammals (IBREAM), is back in the Netherlands after tracking down endangered pygmy hippopotami in Ivory Coast with his trainer Wesley and researcher Lisa (IBREAM).

A day after arriving in Ivory Coast, the team set out into Taï National Park. Several hours later, from the water, Boyd already indicated that he had smelled the highly endangered pygmy hippopotamus. A specially trained team continued on land to look for tracks, which were picked up more quickly with Boyd's help.

Camera traps were set at the locations where Boyd struck, and images of pygmy hippos were soon visible. No previous study had captured moving images of this species so quickly.

The pygmy hippopotamus is known to be a shy animal. It is the reason why not much is known about this species. Currently, an estimated 1,000 pygmy hippos still live in the wild. IBREAM's expedition in Ivory Coast aimed to collect data on this species. So that a proper conservation management plan can be drawn up to save the species from extinction.

"We are extremely happy that we from ZooParc were able to contribute to this in multiple ways, both from the park and Stichting Wildlife," said ZooParc Overloon volunteer coordinator Niels Meboer. Among other things, Boyd was trained using the scent samples of ZooParc's pygmy hippos, and the park itself also played a role as a training ground before the dog would leave for Ivory Coast. Meboer: "The volunteers of Stichting Wildlife raised an awful lot of money through extra activities in the park. This allowed IBREAM's mission to be partially funded and made it possible to donate additional camera traps. We are incredibly proud of the fantastic efforts of the volunteers!"

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