The Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus amphibius ? one of Africa?s large mammals ? is globally endangered, according to IUCN. It occurs exclusively in Africa, south of the sahara in a patchy distribution throughout its range. Even though in the past it was believed to be widely distributed in Ghana, it is now mostly restricted to portions of the Black Volta River, particularly within and just outside the Bui National Park. There are also small populations along this river stretching up to Burkina Faso and possibly in the Kulpawn River. All populations outside the National Park suffer a risk of human predation.
The objectives of the project include assessing the distribution and population status of the hippopotamus in the Black Volta and Kulpawn Rivers and identify suitable habitats just outside the Bui National Park (in the Bole District of the Northern Region) that can be designated as ?Hippo Sanctuaries? in conjunction with the local authorities and communities. The project will also develop a conservation strategy for hippos in the area and develop ecotourism in the area.
The project has assessed the distribution and population density of the hippos in the Bole District and has started the awareness creation on hippo conservation in conjunction with another NGO and has started preliminary activities for developing the ecotourism component.