Pygmy hippopotamus is one of the three most rare beasts in the world. Pandas, hippo and okapi are said to be living fossils. Although it looks like a small version of a hippo, it actually has various characteristics that are different from those of a hippo. Pygmy hippopotamus is basically nocturnal and is most active from evening to midnight. Pygmy hippopotamus is a rare animal in the world with a small population and has already become extinct in Nigeria. It is an animal that is expected to become extinct in other areas in the future.
Habitat
Pygmy hippopotamus is an animal that lives in Côte d’Ivoire Liberia, Guinea.
Characteristic
Pygmy hippopotamus has a total length of 150-170 cm and a weight of 160-270 kg. Pygmy hippopotamus is an animal that is distributed in West Africa such as Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and Sierra Leone, but its main habitat is Liberia. The appearance is a small version of the hippo, but it has a different side to the hippo. Hippo is active during the day, and Pygmy hippopotamus is basically nocturnal. Pygmy hippopotamus lives in the woods, whereas hippo lives near watersides such as the savanna. It doesn’t go underwater like a hippo. Pygmy hippopotamus usually lives alone and does not form a flock. The body is grayish black and the head is smaller than the hippo. The foreign enemies of Pygmy hippopotamus are crocodile and leopard.
Ecology
Pygmy hippopotamus is herbivorous and mainly feeds on aquatic plants, leaves, grass and moss. The cultivated form is embryo. Breeding in captivity is monogamous. The gestation period is 180-210 days and one can be born at a time. Pygmy hippopotamus is born both underwater and on land. Children have a breastfeeding period of about 6-8 months. Pygmy hippopotamus children reach sexual maturity in the first few years of life. The maximum lifespan in captivity is about 40 years.
Endangered species
Pygmy hippopotamus has a small population and is said to be a very rare creature. Currently, the habitat of Pygmy hippopotamus is becoming very small due to the problems of habitat destruction and water pollution caused by development. Furthermore, in Africa, there is a demand for hunting loot, and it is often hunted. Among the habitats, Nigeria and Madagascar have already been confirmed to be completely extinct, and Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia are also declining. Against this background, Pygmy hippopotamus is listed in CITES Annex II. In addition, Pygmy hippopotamus is designated as an endangered species.
Breeding
Pygmy hippopotamus has a small population and is designated as an endangered species, so it is quite difficult for the general public to breed it. Watch at the zoo or go to Africa.
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