Pygmy Hippopotamus
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The Pygmy Hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) is a large mammal native to the forests and swamps of western Africa (the species name, meaning "of Liberia", reflects this). It is one of only two extant species in the hippopotamus family. Unlike its larger relative, the Hippopotamus, relatively little is known about the Pygmy Hippo's diet or behavior, although it is clear that the Pygmy Hippo is adapted to forest environments rather than the more open plains and grasslands that the Hippopotamus prefers.
Pygmy Hippos stand about 75 cm (30 inches) high at the shoulder and weigh 180 kilograms (400 pounds). They are more solitary than their larger relatives and considerably less aquatic. The skin is greenish-black, shading to a creamy gray on the lower body. The average lifespan is 35 years, and one in captivity reached the age of 42. The gestation period ranges from 190-210 days, and usually a single young is born. Pygmy Hippos live either alone or in small groups, typically a mated pair and one calf.
All species of hippo spend most of their time in the water, emerging mainly at night in order to feed on land. The Pygmy Hippo is half as tall as the Hippopotamus and weighs 1/10 as much as a small member of the larger hippo species. The fossil record suggests that the Pygmy Hippo is closer in form and possibly behavior to the common ancestor.
A certain subspecies of the pygmy hippo is critically endangered.
References
- Boisserie, J.R. 2005. The phylogeny and taxonomy of Hippopotamidae (Mammalia: Artiodactyla): a review based on morphology and cladistic analysis. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Volume 143, Number 1, January 2005, pp. 1-26(26)
- [ITIS data as of 2004-08-11]
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