Status of Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus Amphibius L., in the River Sanaga of the Centre Region of Cameroon

Abstract

Wildlife protection and management structures around the world have used protective enclaves often referred to as protected areas to limit pressure on biodiversity. No attention has been paid to species living in unprotected areas often known as free areas. The aim of this study is to contribute to the sustainable management of hippopotamus population in the river Sanaga that is facing threats of being extinct and to also provide information on their status to decision makers. The survey method used during this study was a total count that was carried out using several techniques including foot walk and waterway counts. The results revealed that four hippos were cited in two out of the seven villages in the area. A distance of 32 km was covered in the river. The site with the highest number of hippopotamus was in the village of Tsang with three hippos seen. The main threats to the survival of hippos are poaching, fishing, sand mining and crop farming along the river bank. To lessen these threats on the hippopotamus population, sensitization and awareness campaigns are needed. It is recommended that a hippo sanctuary and a hippo friendly club be created in the study area.