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Name:
Pygmy Hippopotamus
Scientific Name:
Choeropsis liberiensis
Status:
Endangered
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Hippopotamidae
Genus: Choeropsis
Species: C. liberiensis
General Information:
The pygmy hippo is a large mammal of Western Africa. It comprises, along with its much larger cousin the common hippopotamus, the only two extant species of the family hippopotamidae. A largely nocturnal creature, the pygmy hippopotamus resides in very limited numbers in the dense jungles and swamps of western Africa. And, unlike its larger, more common counterpart, the pygmy hippopotamus is generally a solitary creature. While the common hippopotamus has been widely known in both Africa and the West as early as Antiquity, it wasn't until the 19th Century that Europeans became aware of the pygmy hippopotamus. It is currently classified as an endangered species, with poaching, habitat loss, and war being some of the major contributors to its population decline. There are currently 2,000 - 3,000 individuals estimated in the wild.
Physical Description:
The physicality of the pygmy hippo is similar to the common hippopotamus, except its considerably smaller dimensions. The pygmy has four short legs, with four toes on each foot, supporting a bulky body. An adult stands about 30 - 32 inches at the shoulder, is about 59 - 70 inches long, and weighs in the vicinity of 350 - 600 lbs. The pygmy hippopotamus has gray-brown, leathery skin, with cheeks that are often tinted pink. It has a stubby tail, and its head is narrower than that of its more common cousin.
Diet:
Spending about 6 hours each day foraging for food, the pygmy hippopotamus has a diet similar to the common hippopotamus. A herbivore, it feeds on ferns, broad-leaved plants, grasses, and fruits fallen on the forest floor.
Habitat:
Pygmy hippo occur about swamps and rivers in dense forests in western Africa The largest population resides in Liberia, while other populations are believed to be scattered across Sierra Leon. Guinea and Nigeria may also host remnant distributions.
Reproduction:
Due to their elusive nature in the wild, much of the pygmy hippopotamus behavior remains unknown. However, in captivity, it mates year-round. Gestation lasts about 190 - 210 days, after which time a single young is born (although twins have also been known).
Tony has been writing articles on ezine since 2007. Please visit his other website about Used Bar Stools which features Western Bar Stools.
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