The pygmy hippo (Choeropsis liberiensis) is a species of dwarf or very small hippopotamid, native to the forests and swamps of West Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being its much larger cousin, the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius). Pygmy hippos are typically 4.9 to 5.7 feet in length and weigh 180–275 kg (397–606 lb). Their lifespan in captivity ranges from 30 to 55 years, though it is unlikely that they live this long in the wild.
Physical Traits
Pygmy hippos have a stocky body with short legs and a large head. They have thick skin that ranges from dark brown to grayish-brown in color and can be covered with sparse hairs. The muzzle is short and pointed with nostrils at the end, while their eyes are set high on their head for better visibility when swimming or walking through dense vegetation.
Life Span
In captivity, pygmy hippos can live up to 55 years old, although it is unlikely that they live this long in the wild due to predation and other environmental factors. The median life expectancy for pygmy hippos is 27 years.
Habitat
Pygmy hippos inhabit humid forests and swamps of West Africa, from Sierra Leone eastward through Liberia, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire and western Nigeria. They prefer areas near rivers or streams where there is plenty of vegetation for them to feed on as well as mud holes for wallowing during hot days.
Diet
Pygmy hippos are herbivores that primarily feed on leaves, grasses, fruits and aquatic plants such as water lilies. They also eat bark from trees or shrubs when food sources are scarce or during dry seasons when water levels drop significantly.
Reproduction
Mating season for pygmy hippos occurs between October and March each year with gestation lasting 6-7 months before giving birth to one or two young at a time. Young pygmy hippos will stay with their mother until they reach sexual maturity at around 3-4 years old before leaving her side to find their own territory within which they will establish their home range.
Conservation Status
The pygmy hippo has been declared an endangered species due to habitat destruction caused by human activities such as logging and farming as well as hunting for bushmeat or sport hunting by trophy hunters. There are only about 2,000-2,500 living animals worldwide most of which are found in zoos or wildlife sanctuaries dedicated to protecting this species from extinction.
Interesting Facts
Pygmy hippos are nocturnal animals that spend most of their time alone except during mating season when males compete for access to females by making loud vocalizations known as “roars” which can be heard up to 1 km away! They also secrete a special type of oil from glands located near their eyes which helps keep their skin moist during hot days so they don’t overheat while wallowing in mud holes!
