Pygmy hippopotamus
species of mammal
The pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) is native to the forests and swamps of West Africa. Most live in Liberia.
| Pygmy hippopotamus | |
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| A pygmy hippopotamus at National Zoo. | |
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| Genus: | Choeropsis
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| Binomial name | |
| Choeropsis liberiensis (Morton, 1849
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| Pygmy hippopotamus distribution | |
The pygmy hippo is nocturnal. It is one of only two living species in the Hippopotamidae family, the other being its much larger cousin the common hippopotamus.
The pygmy hippopotamus, like its larger cousin, is semi-aquatic. Water keeps its skin moisturized and its body temperature cool. Behaviors such as mating and giving birth may happen in water or on land.
The pygmy hippo is herbivorous, feeding on ferns, grasses and fruits in the forest.
It is an endangered species. It is rare and has been since the 19th century. It is kept in some zoos.
