Pygmy Hippopotamus

Choeropsis liberiensis

Conservation Status

Endangered

Mammalia · Artiodactyla · Hippopotamidae

About

The pygmy hippopotamus or pygmy hippo 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.

Fun Fact

Pygmy hippos secrete a reddish fluid nicknamed 'blood sweat' that acts as a natural sunscreen and antibiotic — the pigments absorb UV light and inhibit bacterial growth on their sensitive skin.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Tropical forests and swamps

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

30-55 years

Threats

Illegal Logging
Poaching
Wildfire
Illegal Wildlife Trade

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

More Mammals Species

Abbott's Duiker EN Abbott's Gibbon EN Addax CR African Elephant EN African Forest Elephant CR African Wild Ass CR

Browse all Mammals →