Johann Büttikofer: Pioneer of Liberian Natural History The world of 19th-century art and exploration often obscures the quiet brilliance of individuals who, driven by a profound curiosity and unwavering dedication, carved out entirely new fields of knowledge. Johann Büttikofer, born in the idyllic Swiss countryside of Ranflüh in 1850, stands as a compelling example of such a figure. More than just a zoologist, he was a pioneering explorer, a meticulous collector, and ultimately, the “Father of Liberian Natural History,” a title earned through two arduous expeditions to a region largely unkno…