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Length. 150-175. cm inch. The Pygmy hippo (Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis) is a 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 relative, the common hippopotamus or Nile hippopotamus.
Hexaprotodon liberiensis. Showing its teeth at the Lagos Zoo in Portugal. The pygmy hippopotamus or pygmy hippo (Choeropsis liberiensis) is a small hippopotamid which is native to the forests and swamps of West Africa, primarily in Liberia, with small populations in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ivory Coast. It has been extirpated from Nigeria.
Habitat: Where do Pygmy Hippopotamus Live. The pygmy hippopotamuses are often found resting in a hidden state in the wallows, swamps, and the rivers. Classification of Species. They have been classified under two subspecies – the Choeropsis liberiensis liberiensis and the Choeropsis liberiensis heslopi, with the former being the nominate species.
- Mammalia
- Chordata
- Artiodactyla
As a shy, nocturnal herbivore, the pygmy hippo eluded Western science until 1840. Even today, little is known of its habits in its native habitat. Pygmy hippopotamuses are usually solitary but can sometimes be found in small family groups. Males, called bulls, have larger territories than cows (females) and both mark their homes with their ...
Pygmy hippos are relatively smaller and weigh between 350 – 550 pounds. They stand 2 and a half feet tall and measure 5 feet from head to tail. The pygmy hippo is reclusive and nocturnal. The pygmy hippopotamus displays many terrestrial adaptations, however, like its larger cousin, it is semi-aquatic and relies on to water to keep its skin ...
Where do pygmy hippos live? Pygmy hippos inhabit forested watercourses and swamps in tropical West Africa. The vast bulk – in both senses – of the world’s remaining pygmy hippos are found in Liberia, although smaller populations still survive across the border in Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Sierra Leone. A subspecies formerly found in ...
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Unlike common hippos, Pygmy Hippos do not live in large groups but are solitary or in small family units. A Pygmy Hippo’s skin secretes a pinkish fluid, often called “blood sweat,” which acts as a natural sunblock and protects against skin infections.
