Habitat use in wild pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire
Open accessAbstract
The Pygmy Hippopotamus (PH) Choeropsis liberiensis (Morton, 1849) is a rare and cryptic mammal. Considered as an endangered species by International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2017, the main threats to PH are the fragmentation of its habitat, the forest, and hunting. Its population has greatly diminished during the last two decades from nearly 15,000 individuals to an estimated number of approximately 3,000 individuals today. Studies of this species’ ecology in the wild are rare. This study focuses on habitat use and locomotion pattern in the Taï National Park (TNP) in Côte d’Ivoire, the last stronghold of the PH in the world. Camera-traps pictures and direct observations of hippo signs and individuals were used for this study in a preselected area where observation had shown that this is the habitat of the species. The study describes the features of the micro-habitat of the PH and shows how this habitat is used daily as well as the movement pattern in the wild. These results add to the ecological knowledge of this endemic species and contribute in building a knowledge-based conservation strategy.© 2018 International Formulae Group. All rights reservedKeywords: Pygmy hippopotamus, home range, habitat requirements, West Africa
AI snapshot
Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
This study uses camera traps and sign surveys in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, to describe micro-habitat features and daily habitat use of the endangered pygmy hippopotamus. It finds strong association with riparian shoals, wet soil, root/trunk shelters, and mostly nocturnal/crepuscular movement along specific trails.
Key findings
- Pygmy hippopotamus micro-habitat was concentrated near rivers and shorelines, in shoals with wet soil, open canopy, closed undergrowth, and shade from *Raphia* sp. and *Tarrietia utilis*; shelters (n=7) were often on low-slope banks, while individuals were observed (n=4) walking in steep-bank river beds of Nipla and Audrénisrou.
- Redundancy Analysis axes 1 and 2 explained 72.20% and 22.40% of inertia, respectively (94.6% total); footprints and individuals were mostly in marshy areas with water/moist soil, open canopy, and closed undergrowth, especially in Meno and N’sê river areas versus Audrénisou and Nipla.
- Of 86 good-quality pictures analysed, 71 observations (82.5%) were at night; all four daytime direct observations were in shoals with high wet soil, and adults were solitary (two adults were never photographed together).
- From 483 feces, 85% were scattered in grasses, small plants, and shrub trunks and 15% directly on the ground; most droppings were on herbaceous plants (75%), young trees under 0.5 m (17%), and shrub trunks (8%), with no specific plant choice detected. Movement followed specific paths (n=12), mainly early evening after 6:00 pm and morning between 5:00 and 8:00 am, with one noon departure observed.
Methods
- Study site: Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, March–December 2012; selected area covered about 30 km², with 80% crossed by four rivers: Audrénisrou, Nipla, N’sè, and Méno.
- Data collection: 12 infrared Bushnell Trophy Cam cameras operating 24 hours; three combined designs—systematic every 2 km along four rivers for 7 days (25.3 km covered), systematic 3×3 km quadrats with two quadrats per river for 30 days and 2 km between quadrats, and nonsystematic placement at pygmy hippo sign locations (two cameras, 27 areas). Pedestrian surveys recorded direct/indirect signs and anthropogenic threats; 86 good-quality pictures were analysed from more than 5,000 photos.
- Analysis: GPS UTM coordinates mapped home range; Redundancy Analysis (RDA) in Canoco 4.5 correlated individual presence and living pattern; biophysical indicators followed Adjin et al. (2011); behaviours from pictures and signs were encoded in Excel.
Limitations
- The paper does not include a dedicated limitations section; it notes that observing the species is challenging because of its cryptic behaviour and excludes droppings produced in water from analysis.
- Evident from the text: direct observations were very few (n=4), Table 2 reports only 3 individuals observed, and only 86 good-quality pictures were analysed from more than 5,000 photos; partly nonsystematic camera placement based on presence signs may bias habitat-use estimates.
- Evident from the text: interpretations about trails and burrows are presented as hypotheses (e.g., an adult may spend up to two days in a burrow, may have more than one burrow, or may use another entry) and were not tested; no specific plant choice for fecal deposition was found.
Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
1 of 21 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured
- Findingcitation
The collected movement patterns show more activities early in the morning and in the early evening.
“The collected movement patterns show more activities early in the morning and in the early evening as mentioned by Collen et al. (2011) in Sapo forest, Liberia and Conway (2013) in Sierra Leona.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked- cites Collen et al. (2011) source
The survey account in our copy (section labeled Abstract; page not supplied) reports seven camera-trap records in Sapo National Park but does not give their times or describe daily movement patterns. Searches for early-morning and early-evening activity, and for time-of-day camera-trap records, found no passage supporting the claimed peaks. (LLM, conf=0.75)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured - cites Conway (2013)
- Findingown data
Redundancy Analysis explains that footprints and Pygmy Hippopotamus individuals encountered were mostly observed in marshy areas (presence of water and moist soil) located in shallows with open canopy and closed undergrowth.
“Indeed, Redundancy Analysis (RDA), illustrated with Figure 3, explains that footprints and PH individuals encountered were mostly observed in marshy areas (presence of water and moist soil) located in shallows with open canopy and closed undergrowth.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The movement pattern from the burrow was mainly observed between the early evening (after 6.00 pm) and the morning (between 5.00 and 8.00 am).
“The movement pattern from the burrow were mainly observed between the early evening (after 6.00 pm) and the morning (between 5.00 and 8.00 am) (see Table 4).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
No specific choice on plants was developed by individual Pygmy Hippopotamus for fecal scattering.
“We do observe that no specific choice on plants was developed by individual for fecal scattering.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Most pictures of Pygmy Hippopotamus were recorded at night, with 71 observations (82.5%) compared with day pictures (n=86).
“Most pictures of PHs were recorded at night, with 71 observations (82.5%) compared with day pictures (n=86).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
- Findingown data
Banks where Pygmy Hippopotamus individuals were observed present variable slopes.
“-Banks where PH individuals were observed, present variable slopes.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Several presence indicators were observed on these paths including footprints (n=27) and feces (n=210).
“Several presence indicators were observed on these paths including footprints (n= 27) and feces (n= 210).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Within the rivers beds used by Pygmy Hippopotamus, some burrow environments were observed under some strong tree roots or trunks of dead trees.
“Within the rivers beds used by PHs, some burrows environment for Pygmy Hippo were observed under some strong tree roots or trunks of dead trees (Figure 4, from 4a to 4 c)).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Shelters (n=7) are more often characterized by low slope banks which allow Pygmy Hippopotamus to easily reach the mainland from the water for their daily activities and come back to the shelters easily.
“It was observed that shelters (n= 7) are more often characterized by low slop banks which allow PHs to easily reach the mainland from the water for their daily activities and come back to the shelters easily;”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
All direct observations of Pygmy Hippopotamus made during the day (n=4) were in shoal with a high wet soil.
“All direct observations of PHs made during the day (n=4), were in shoal with a high wet soil.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Shelters where Pygmy Hippopotamus spend most of their time, mainly during the day, are composed by great roots stilts, buttresses, and the big trunks of big trees erected on the banks or fallen.
“-Shelters where PHs spend most of their time mainly during the day are composed by great roots stilts, buttresses, the big trunks of the big trees erected on the banks or fallen;”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingreasoning
This study emphasized the identification of specific shelter zones which are characterized by a shoal with soaked soil, usually near the shorelines.
“In this study, we emphasized on the identification of the specific shelter zones which are characterized by a shoal with a soil soaked, usually near the shorelines.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
These trails were used both at night and daytime.
“These trails were used both at night and daytime.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
An analysis of plant species used for droppings revealed no link with some specific plants that could be used by Pygmy Hippopotamus.
“An analysis of plant species used for droppings revealed no link with some specific plants that could be used by PHs.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Only once, an individual was observed leaving the burrow at noon.
“Only once, was an individual observed leaving the burrow at noon.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Pygmy Hippopotamus were observed (n=4) walking in rivers' beds (Nipla and Audrenisrou) with a steep bank.
“PH were observed (n = 4) walking in rivers' beds (Nipla and Audrenisrou) with a steep bank;”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
The home range of the Pygmy Hippopotamus is shaded by overlying vegetation composed by Raphia sp, Tarrietia utilis, etc, with a muddy or sandy soil.
“In addition, the home range is shaded by the overlying vegetation composed by Raphia sp, Tarrietia utilis, etc, with a muddy or sandy soil (Table 3).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
A relatively high number of Pygmy Hippopotamus footprints were observed along three specific trails.
“Indeed, a relative high number of PH footprints were observed along three specific trails.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There is a link between Pygmy Hippopotamus distribution and some biophysics features of the microhabitat.
“There is a link between PH distribution and some biophysics features of the microhabitat.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
This study shows that Pygmy Hippopotamus mostly used specific itineraries for terrestrial locomotion.
“In addition, this study shows that PHs mostly used specific itineraries for terrestrial locomotion.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Analysis of the droppings' dispersal in the habitat revealed that plants are mainly used as a substrate to scatter droppings.
“Analysis of the droppings' dispersal in the habitat revealed that plants are mainly used as a substrate to scatter droppings.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Footpaths developed either by other mammals like monkeys or human within the Park are sometimes used by Pygmy Hippopotamus.
“-The footpaths developed either by other mammals like monkeys or human within the Park are sometime used by PHs.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Based on collected tracks and photos from camera traps, Pygmy Hippopotamus move along some specific paths (n=12).
“Based on collected tracks and photos from camera traps, it can be concluded that PHs move along some specific paths (n= 12).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
From the 483 feces recorded during the study period, droppings were mainly dispersed scattered in grasses, small plants and shrub trunk (85%) and directly on the ground (15%).
“From the 483 feces recorded during the study period, droppings were mainly dispersed scattered in grasses, small plants and shrub trunk (85%) and directly on the ground (15%).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation
Moonlight may have little effect when the canopy is dense and therefore little light penetrates into the forest.
“This is supported by Conway, 2013 who showed that moonlight may have little effect when the canopy is dense and therefore little light penetrates into the forest.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Conway, 2013
- Interpretationreasoning
The daily life of the Pygmy Hippopotamus is strongly related to certain characteristic states of its habitat.
“We can conclude that the daily life of PH is strongly related on certain characteristics states of its habitat.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
The structure of the shelter habitat facilitates entry and exit of the Pygmy Hippopotamus safely.
“This structure of habitat facilitates entry and exit of the animal safely.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
Given the pressures on the species and the socio-political and military crisis in Côte d'Ivoire in 2002-2011, the number of wild individuals is likely to be far lower than previous estimates.
“Thus, given these pressures, and the socio-political and military crisis that this country experienced in 2002-2011, the number of wild individuals is likely to be far lower.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The forest habitat of the Pygmy Hippopotamus is extremely fragmented and under increasing pressure from logging and farming.
- Interpretationreasoning
Destruction of such trees and modification of such environments would pose dire threats to the Pygmy Hippopotamus in view of their importance for the species.
“Hence the destruction of such trees and the modification of such environments would pose dire threats to PH in view of their importance for the species.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
The Pygmy Hippopotamus adapts its daily behavior to the structure of its habitat.
“The PH adapts its daily behavior to the structure of its habitat.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
A disturbance of these environmental characteristics could constitute a real threat to the Pygmy Hippopotamus.
“Thus, a disturbance of these environmental characteristics could constitute a real threat to this emblematic species.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
The closing or opening of the canopy is not a determining factor for the presence of Pygmy Hippopotamus.
“The closing or opening of the canopy is not a determining factor for the presence of PHs.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
The areas used by Pygmy Hippopotamus are characterized by a specific topography, vegetation structure, undergrowth and humidity which create favorable conditions for their daily activities.
“These areas are characterized by a specific topography, vegetation structure, undergrowth and humidity which create favorable conditions to the daily activities of PH.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
Vegetation is used as a rejection for droppings by the Pygmy Hippopotamus.
“In addition to the basic requirements listed above, vegetation is used as a rejection for droppings.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
In open canopy areas, the vegetation increases and creates the same shade as when the canopy is closed in the absence of any significant undergrowth vegetation.
“Indeed, in open canopy areas, the vegetation increases and creates the same shade as when the canopy is closed in the absence of any significant undergrowth vegetation.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
The main elements of the Pygmy Hippopotamus habitat that play an important role are topography, under-wood, canopy and soil type.
“The main elements of this habitat that play an important role are topography, under-wood, canopy and soil type.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Camera trapping has been used successfully in studying other African mammals.
“Hence, innovative technologies, particularly camera trapping that was used successfully in studying other African mammals (Nguelet et al., 2016) appear as a good opportunity (Trolle et al., 2008;Vine et al., 2009;Conway, 2013;Garteh, 2014).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Nguelet et al., 2016
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Trolle et al., 2008
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Vine et al., 2009 source
- Rests on an assumption: Observing the Pygmy Hippopotamus in the wild is a challenge because of its cryptic behaviour.
- Interpretationreasoning
The characterization of this micro-habitat emphasized the crucial role of the stabilization of the environment around the rivers for the survival of the Pygmy Hippopotamus.
“The characterization of this micro habitat emphasized the crucial role of the stabilization of the environment around the rivers for the survival of this emblematic species.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Taï National Park is the last stronghold of the Pygmy Hippopotamus in the world.
- Premisecitation
Little is known about the biology and behavior of the Pygmy Hippopotamus in the wild.
“However, to date, little is known about the biology and behavior of the PH in the wild (Lewison & Oliver, 2008;Conway, 2013) and existing threats at local levels.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Lewison & Oliver, 2008
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Conway, 2013
- Interpretationreasoning
In both open and closed canopy cases, the solar rays and/or the moonlight do not influence the level of brightness of the space exploited by the Pygmy Hippopotamus.
“In both cases, the solar rays and /or the moonlight do not influence the level of brightness of the space exploited by the PH.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The home range characteristics of the Pygmy Hippopotamus are strongly correlated with water courses.
“Our results show that the home range characteristics of PH is strongly correlated with water courses.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The preselected study area is the habitat of the Pygmy Hippopotamus.
- Interpretationown data
The roots form shelters with windows-like appearances from which Pygmy Hippopotamus may observe their environment easily without being noticed.
“the roots form shelters with windows-like appearances from which the PHs may observe its environment easily without being noticed (Figure 2).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
- May combine two claims. 19
- Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 12
- Not yet classified. 1
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataMost droppings were dispersed on herbaceous plants with 75%, young trees under 0.5 meter with 17%, and shrub trunk with 8%.
“Most droppings were dispersed on herbaceous with 75% and young trees which are under 0.5 meter (17%) and shrub trunk (8%).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataObserved adult Pygmy Hippopotamus were solitary, as two adults were never photographed together during the study period.
“Observed adults were solitary as e two adults have never been photographed together during the study period.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.
Findingnone givenClosed undergrowths provide a cool shade for Pygmy Hippopotamus and offer walkways formed by branches and creepers to allow them to enter or quietly exit their habitat.
“-Closed undergrowths provide a cool shade for PHs and offer walkways formed by branches and creepers to allow PHs to enter or quietly exit its habitat.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataThe association between Pygmy Hippopotamus presence and marshy areas with open canopy and closed undergrowth applies mostly to Meno and N'sê river areas, in contrast to the Audrenisou and Nipla rivers.
“That applies mostly to Meno and N'sê river areas, in contrast to the Audrenisou and Nipla rivers.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingown dataFigure 5 emphasized the use of specific trails to go out and come back to the burrow.
“Figure 5 emphasized the use of specific trails to go out and come back to the burrow.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingnone givenIn general, the canopy is opened and the undergrowth closed in the Pygmy Hippopotamus micro-habitat.
“In general, the canopy is opened, and the undergrowth closed.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataAxes 1 and 2 of the Redundancy Analysis explain 72.20% and 22.40% of the inertia, respectively, for a total of 94.6% of the total inertia.
“That is revealed by the analysis of axes 1 and 2 of RDA explaining 72.20% and 22.40% of the inertia, respectively for a total of 94.6% of the total inertia.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingown dataThe daytime observation of a Pygmy Hippopotamus was made early in the morning between 6.30 and 8.00 am.
“The daytime observation of a PH was made early in the morning between 6.30 and 8.00.am.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingnone givenIn Taï National Park, Pygmy Hippopotamus were most often found close to rivers, mainly near the shoreline.
“In the TNP, PHs were most often found close to rivers, mainly near the shoreline.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The preselected study area is the habitat of the Pygmy Hippopotamus.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Findingnone givenThe big trunks lying on the banks seem to create shade and offer shelters that hide or dissimulate the movement of Pygmy Hippopotamus.
“the big trunks lying on the banks seem to create a shade and offer shelters that hide or dissimilate the movement of PHs;”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingnone givenThe micro-habitat of the Pygmy Hippopotamus is globally marked by a shoal with soaked soil, usually near the shoreline and where vegetation stratum is high.
“Indeed, the micro-habitat is globally marked by a shoal with a soil soaked, usually near the shoreline and where vegetation stratum is high.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataAll adult Pygmy Hippopotamus were photographed alone and other signs, such as footprints, did not indicate pairing.
“All adult PHs were photographed alone and other signs, such as footprints, did not indicate pairing.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningA specific combined condition of these characteristics creates the appropriate conditions not only for the safety of the Pygmy Hippopotamus against predators but probably also for the accomplishment of other daily activities.
“A specific combined condition of these characteristics creates the appropriate conditions not only for the safety of the PH against predators but probably, also for the accomplishment of other daily activities.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningThe roots of the trees that litter the shores are from large trees and serve as hiding elements for Pygmy Hippopotamus individuals.
“The roots of the trees that litter the shores are from large trees and serve as hiding elements for individuals.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationThe characteristics of the shelter areas are favorable not only to the physical protection of the animal but also to the physical protection of its skin that is sensitive to solar rays.
“The characteristics of these shelter areas are not only favorable to the physical protection of the animal but also tothe physical protection of its skin that is sensitive to solar rays (Bogui, 2018).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Bogui, 2018
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationMost documented threats to the Pygmy Hippopotamus are habitat loss, fragmentation and poaching.
“Most documented threats are habitat loss, fragmentation and poaching (Mallon et al., 2011).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Mallon et al., 2011
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).
InterpretationreasoningSteep banks could provide protection to Pygmy Hippopotamus from potential predators and other dangers like falling trees.
“these banks could provide a protection to PHs from potential predators and other dangers like falling trees.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationA large part of evidence suggests links between scent-marking by mammals and intrasexual competition.
“A large part of evidence suggests a links between scent-marking by mammals and intrasexual competition (Gosling and Robert, 2001).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Gosling and Robert, 2001 source
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningEach solitary individual Pygmy Hippopotamus could have more than one burrow or use different ways to go back to the shelter.
“But each solitary individual, could have more than one burrow or use different ways to go back to the shelter.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationPygmy Hippopotamus prefer riparian habitats and swamps.
“As described by Conway (2013), PHs prefer riparian habitats and swamps.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Conway (2013)
Not yet classified.
PremiseThe Pygmy Hippopotamus is listed as one of the most endangered species with a natural distribution in only four countries: Liberia, Sierra Leona, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire.
“Among the 45 endemic mammals in this area, the Pygmy Hippopotamus (PH) Choeropsis liberiensis (Morton, 1849) is listed as one of the most endangered species with a natural distribution in only four countries: Liberia, Sierra Leona, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire (IUCN, 2007;Mallon, 2011).”
Quote in the paperNot yet classified0 of 2 sources checked- cites IUCN, 2007
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Mallon, 2011
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
May combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningPygmy Hippopotamus may deposit feces both on trees without any specific choice and on the ground.
“Thus, PHs may deposit feces both on trees without any specific choice and on the ground.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationThis behavior selected to mark territories has been observed in several other territorial mammals.
“This behavior selected to mark territories has been observed in several other territorial mammals (Barja and List., 2005;Manfredi et al., 2006).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Barja and List., 2005
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Manfredi et al., 2006 source
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).
InterpretationreasoningThis could ensure a sustainability of territory's marking index.
“This could ensure a sustainability of territory's marking index.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.
Premisenone givenScent-marking including droppings is a signalling in mammals and both territorial males in resource-defense mating systems and dominant males in dominance mating systems scent-mark.
“Indeed, Scent-marking including droppings is a signalling in mammals and both territorial males in resource-defense mating systems and dominant males in dominance mating systems scent-mark.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationRecent studies provided relevant information on the species in Taï National Park, mainly on the potential role of this species in seed dispersal and on the drivers of its distribution.
“Recent studies provided relevant information on the species in TNP, mainly on the potential role of this species in seed dispersal (Van Heukelum, 2010) and on the drivers of its distribution (Bogui, 2018).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Van Heukelum, 2010
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Bogui, 2018
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationAt the last count in 1994, fewer than 3,000 individuals remained, with an estimated decline rate of 20% in the coming decades.
“At the last count in 1994, fewer than 3,000 individuals remained (UICN, 2007;Ransom et al., 2015), with an estimated decline rate of 20% in the coming decades (Roth et al., 2004).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites UICN, 2007
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Ransom et al., 2015
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Roth et al., 2004
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
The paper relies on this without support.
Observing the Pygmy Hippopotamus in the wild is a challenge because of its cryptic behaviour.
“Observing the PH in the wild is a challenge because of its cryptic behaviour.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The large majority of wild living Pygmy Hippopotamus individuals occur in Côte d'Ivoire, especially in Taï National Park.
“The large majority of wild living individuals occur in Côte d'Ivoire, especially in Taï National Park (TNP).”
The paper relies on this without support.
The forest habitat of the Pygmy Hippopotamus is extremely fragmented and under increasing pressure from logging and farming.
“Its forest habitat is extremely fragmented and under increasing pressure from logging and farming.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The preselected study area is the habitat of the Pygmy Hippopotamus.
“in a preselected area where observation had shown that this is the habitat of the species.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Taï National Park is the last stronghold of the Pygmy Hippopotamus in the world.
“This study focuses on habitat use and locomotion pattern in the Taï National Park (TNP) in Côte d'Ivoire, the last stronghold of the PH in the world.”
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Variation in vegetation structure may influence pygmy hippo density on a local scale.
“While the pygmy hippo has traditionally been viewed as rather flexible in terms of habitat selection within the rainforest (Roth et al., 2004), recent work has indicated that variation in vegetation structure may influence their density on a local scale (Ouattara et al., 2019; Rijkers, 2024).”
From Fine-scale habitat requirements of the pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis): Implications for rainforest conservation in West Africa (2026) · cites this paper as Ouattara et al., 2019
The Micro-habitat description section links local pygmy hippo distribution and presence signs to features including open canopy and closed undergrowth. It does not establish that vegetation structure influences population density; the reported observations concern where hippos or their signs were found, not density estimates. Page numbers are unavailable in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.86)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredAngiosperm height is closely related to the overall density of the undergrowth, which the pygmy hippo prefers to be dense.
“Angiosperm height is closely related to the overall density of the undergrowth, which the pygmy hippo prefers to be dense according to Ouattara et al. (2019).”
From Fine-scale habitat requirements of the pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis): Implications for rainforest conservation in West Africa (2026) · cites this paper as Ouattara et al. (2019)
The Micro-habitat description (page not provided) says pygmy hippos were most often found in areas with closed undergrowth, and reports that individuals and footprints were mostly observed in shallows with closed undergrowth. It also describes a high vegetation stratum there, but does not establish that angiosperm height is closely related to undergrowth density. (LLM, conf=0.85)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
Two incompatible study-area sizes are given
MinorThe methods describe the selected study area as about 30 km2, but describe one of the camera-trap designs as operating in an area of 293.899 km2. The text does not distinguish this much larger area from the selected study area.
“The selected study area covered about 30 km 2 within the Park”
“in an area of 293.899 km², cameras were installed systematically, based on a quadrat pattern 3x3 km”
Current population estimate conflicts with the stated 1994 count and subsequent decline
MinorThe abstract estimates approximately 3,000 individuals today, but the introduction says fewer than 3,000 remained in 1994 and that the number is likely to be far lower now.
“Its population has greatly diminished during the last two decades from nearly 15,000 individuals to an estimated number of approximately 3,000 individuals today.”
“At the last count in 1994, fewer than 3,000 individuals remained (UICN, 2007;Ransom et al., 2015), with an estimated decline rate of 20% in the coming decades (Roth et al., 2004).The large majority of wild living individuals occur in Côte d'Ivoire, especially in Taï National Park (TNP).Thus, given these pressures, and the socio-political and military crisis that this country experienced in 2002-2011, the number of wild individuals is likely to be far lower.”
Cites
Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities
Myers, N., Mittermeier, R. A., Mittermeier, C. G., da Fonseca, G. A. B., & Kent, J. (2000) · Nature · doi:10.1038/35002501 · Cited by 31,710 · cited 2× · see citing works
“INTRODUCTION The Upper Guinean Forest is considered as part of the “global biodiversity hotspots” characterized by their high level of endemic species and rapid loss of habitat (Myers et al., 2000).”
BackgroundInduced root-secreted phenolic compounds as a belowground plant defense
Lanoue, A., Burlat, V., Schurr, U., & Röse, U. S. R. (2010) · Plant Signaling & Behavior · doi:10.4161/psb.5.8.12337 · Cited by 5,462 · see citing works
Olson, D. M., & Dinerstein, E. (1998) · Conservation Biology · doi:10.1046/j.1523-1739.1998.012003502.x · Cited by 1,594 · see citing works
Multivariate Statistics for Wildlife and Ecology Research
McGarigal, K., Stafford, S., & Cushman, S. (2000) · doi:10.1007/978-1-4612-1288-1 · Cited by 1,548 · see citing works
Scent-marking by male mammals: Cheat-proof signals to competitors and mates
Gosling, L. M., & Roberts, S. C. (2001) · Advances in the Study of Behavior · doi:10.1016/s0065-3454(01)80007-3 · Cited by 411 · see citing works
Surveys using camera traps: are we looking to a brighter future?
Rowcliffe, J. M., & Carbone, C. (2008) · Animal Conservation · doi:10.1111/j.1469-1795.2008.00180.x · Cited by 279 · see citing works
Vine, S. J., Crowther, M. S., Lapidge, S. J., Dickman, C. R., Mooney, N., Piggott, M. P., & English, A. W. (2009) · Wildlife Research · doi:10.1071/wr08069 · Cited by 133 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Hence, innovative technologies, particularly camera trapping that was used successfully in studying other African mammals (Nguelet et al., 2016) appear as a good opportunity (Trolle et al., 2008; Vine et al., 2009; Conway, 2013; Garteh, 2014).”
BackgroundTrolle, M., Noss, A. J., Cordeiro, J. L. P., et al. (2007) · Biotropica · doi:10.1111/j.1744-7429.2007.00350.x · Cited by 79 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Hence, innovative technologies, particularly camera trapping that was used successfully in studying other African mammals (Nguelet et al., 2016) appear as a good opportunity (Trolle et al., 2008; Vine et al., 2009; Conway, 2013; Garteh, 2014).”
BackgroundManfredi, C., Soler, L., Lucherini, M., & Casanave, E. B. (2006) · Journal of Zoology · doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.2005.00033.x · Cited by 41 · cited 1× · see citing works
“This behavior selected to mark territories has been observed in several other territorial mammals (Barja and List., 2005; Manfredi et al., 2006).”
BackgroundCollen, B., Howard, R., Konie, J., Daniel, O., & Rist, J. (2011) · Oryx · doi:10.1017/s0030605310001444 · Cited by 24 · cited 1× · see citing works
“The collected movement patterns show more activities early in the morning and in the early evening as mentioned by Collen et al. (2011) in Sapo forest, Liberia and Conway (2013) in Sierra Leona.”
BackgroundThe Role of Spatial Distribution of Faeces in Coyote Scent Marking Behaviour
Barja, I., List, R., Barja, I., et al. (2014) · Polish Journal of Ecology · doi:10.3161/104.062.0215 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
(2011) · UCL Discovery (University College London) · Cited by 17 · see citing works
(2013) · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Lydie, K. M., Béné, J.-C. K., Koffi, A. D., Kouame, B. A., & Koné, I. (2018) · International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences · doi:10.4314/ijbcs.v12i4.16 · Cited by 7 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Fortunately, this specie seems not to be really involved in human-wildlife conflict (Kouao et al., 2018).”
BackgroundMindonga-Nguelet, F. L., Koumba, C. R. Z., Mavoungou, J. F., et al. (2017) · International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences · doi:10.4314/ijbcs.v10i5.3 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Adjin, C., Lougbegnon, T., Codjia, J. E., et al. (2012) · International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences · doi:10.4314/ijbcs.v5i5.12 · Cited by 2 · cited 1× · see citing works
“As for habitat description, biophysic indicators were determined following partially habitat description used by Adjin et al. (2011).”
MethodDibloni, O. T., Millogo, A., Ouedraogo, A., et al. (2012) · International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences · doi:10.4314/ijbcs.v5i5.5 · Cited by 1 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Thus, some efforts must be conducted to tackle this major challenge, coupled to the strategy against poaching that can create good conditions to preserve wildlife in general as observed in Burkina Faso (Dibloni et al., 2011).”
Background
Flagged first, then by citations
Research works printed but not linked: 2
- Bogui EB. 2018. Abondance, distribution et structure génétique de l'Hippopotame pygmée, Choeropsis liberiensis (Morton, 1849) dans le Parc National de Taï, Sud Ouest de la Côte d'Ivoire. PhD thesis. University Félix Houphouet Boigny Abidjan, p150.
- Van Heukelum MJD. 2010. In search of the elusive Pygmy Hippo; Establishment of methods to determine population structure of Pygmy Hippos in Taï National Park, and assessment of their role in seed dispersal. Ms Thesis, Wageningen University Netherlands p33.
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Houa, N. A., Cappelle, N., Bitty, E. A., et al. (2022) · PeerJ · doi:10.7717/peerj.13510 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Erazo-Mera, E., Younes, N., Horwood, P. F., Paris, D., Paris, M., & Murray, N. (2024) · Environmental Conservation · doi:10.1017/s0376892923000310 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Self-citationPalma, L., Quecuta, Q., & Nanque, M. (2025) · African Journal of Ecology · doi:10.1111/aje.70089 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Mining expansion as new driver of deforestation in Côte d’Ivoire
Prince Dégny, V. A. L. E., Bousfield, C. G., Morton, O., et al. (2025) · Environmental Research Letters · doi:10.1088/1748-9326/ae23e6 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
“…mining footprint further exacerbates these threats (Spira et al 2019), particularly when we consider the illegal encroachment into and in the periphery of protected areas, where most of the threatened species’ populations are confined (Fischer 2005, Campbell et al 2008, Ouattara et al 2018).”
Kempkes, J. B., Si, Y., van ’t Zelfde, M., Digbeu, H. E. O., Bogui, E. B., Ouattara, K., Koné, I., & Paris, M. (2026) · Global Ecology and Conservation · doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04346
Self-citation
- Authors
- Ouattara, K., Bomey, C. G., Kone, I., & Paris, M.
- Affiliations
- Swiss Centre for Scientific Research (CI)
- Wageningen University & Research (NL)
- Corresponding author
- Ouattara, Karim
- Venue
- International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences
- Publisher
- African Journals Online (AJOL)
- Published
- 2019-02-22
- Volume
- 12
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 2578
- ISSN
- 1991-8631 (ISSN-L)
- 1997-342X
- OpenAlex
- W2917739594
- Cited by
- 5
- References
- 17
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 2 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 1
- FWCI
- 0.15
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- diamond
- doi.org
- Licence
- cc-by-nc-sa
- Locations
- International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Ecology › Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Primate Behavior and Ecology
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Ecological Modeling › Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Keywords
- pygmy hippopotamus, Choeropsis liberiensis, habitat use, home range, locomotion patterns, microhabitat, threatened species, wildlife conservation, Taï National Park, habitat fragmentation
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-27.
Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-27.
Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
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