Each toe has sharp nails that helps them create traction in swamps. However, they do not swim around. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Some animals have completely the wrong name. Pygmy hippos won’t just live anywhere. The ecological niche of this species is insufficiently explored, although Pygmy hippos are likely to impact plant communities of their range through their plant-based diet. The skin of the pygmy hippopotamus is much darker than the hippopotamus’s skin. This is known as blood sweat and keeps them cool. This should be … This article will be discussing in depth, about the Pygmy Hippopotamus, its physical description, characteristics, habitat, food, reproduction, behavior and conservation issues. Hippopotamuses (or hippos), may look like cute, comical giants, but they are among the world’s most dangerous animals. As humans clear the forest, there is not sufficient food for these animals to thrive. Hippos are known to be one of the most deadly animals in Africa but they don’t really kill people. Interesting Facts: In 1927, President Calvin Coolidge was given a male pygmy hippo named Billy by Harvey Firestone. The owner of Firestone tyres, a certain Harvey Firestone, operated an enormous Liberian rubber plantation. The Pygmy Hippopotamus is a medium-sized herbivorous mammal that is found inhabiting the humid forests and swamps of West Africa. According to the Pygmy Hippo Foundation resource, the total population of this species in the wild is about 2,000 individuals, majority of which live in Liberia and the rest inhabit Sierra Leone, Guinea and the Ivory Coast. Pygmy hippos have an important adaptation that helps them survive in a humid West African rainforest. They walk or stand on surfaces below the water like sandbanks. After Pablo Escobar’s death, the 4 Hippopotamuses he kept as pets have begun to breed and become an invasive species in Colombia. Learn all about hippopotamuses and how they're born with these 10 fascinating baby hippo facts. They are 3.3 to 5 meters (10.8 to 16.5 feet) long and up to 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) tall at shoulders. We even did articles on how fast can a hippo run, and the sounds that hippos make! Interesting and fun Hippopotamus Facts #1 They are referred to as the Hippo because too many people can’t spell their real name correctly! The pygmy hippopotamus is one of the two existing species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius). Each site is used for only a few days, since these hippos change their sleeping quarters once or twice a week. Instead, they can move their toes freely, an adaption needed for living on land. Pygmy hippo is uncommon creatures. The pygmy hippo is reclusive and nocturnal. Common hippos are born in water. 25 interesting facts about Liberia by Peter on 23 October 2020 with No Comments The most interesting facts about Liberia, from Africa’s oldest republic to pygmy hippos known as “water cows”. They will protect their space against any invader, whether antelope, people or lion. Although hippos were thought to … They also have nostrils on the top of their head. Pygmy hippos in captivity are known to exhibit monogamous mating system, where each individual has only one mate. Although Pygmy hippos are legally protected throughout their range, the total population is decreasing due to scarcity or absence of suitable resources. Pygmy hippos exhibit excellent swimming abilities. Here are five interesting facts about them: The pygmy hippopotamus is only about a fifth the size of the common hippopotamus, weighing up to 275 kg and measuring 1. Pygmy hippos graze and browse. 2. To stay cool in the blistering African heat, hippos spend most of their day in rivers and lakes. They can run 30 miles per hour for short distances. Check out this story! Your email address will not be published. They share a common ancestor, a semi-aquatic animal known as the walking whale. These mammals possess a four-chambered stomach. Each individual of this species can consume as much as 100 - 150 pounds of grass per night. Pygmy hippos are currently threatened by a number of factors, which negatively affect the small population of this endangered species. 20 Pygmy ... Read also: 50 Interesting Giraffe Facts That Will Tower Over You. Description: Pygmy hippos have smooth, hairless skin that is black-brown to purple. Like koala bears, which are not bears. It is mostly black. These mammals maintain strictly herbivorous or plant-based diet, composed of herbs, broad-leaved plants, grasses, semi-aquatic plants, herbaceous shoots, forbs, sedges, ferns as well as occasional fallen fruits. A single baby is born after 184 - 210 days of gestation. Less than 2500 pygmy hippos survive yet poaching remains rife. However, they are not true ruminants and hence ferment food and use microbes in a different way than true ruminants. There are two species of hippopotamus: the common hippo and the much smaller pygmy hippo. Pygmy hippos need to eat 40-50 kg of vegetation every single day. Hippopotamus Facts: Hippos live in muddy water in a group of 10-30. Pygmy hippos are noticeably smaller than the Common hippos. The pygmy hippo is less aquatic than its larger relative, although, when pursued, it hides in water. Although the two species may look very similar there are actually a number of n… The most interesting facts about Liberia, from Africa’s oldest republic to pygmy hippos known as “water cows”. In contrast, pygmy hippos give birth on land. "Hippopotamus" is a Greek word, meaning a "river horse". In comparison, pygmy hippos are solitary animals. Facts About the Pygmy Hippo (A Picture Book For Kids 145) - Kindle edition by Strattin, Lisa. How about this for a sign of submission? Even a newborn pygmy weighs 30 kg so will not be an easy meal. Along with the obvious difference in size, the other big differences between the … The closest non-hippo relative to the hippo species is the whale. Although hippos were thought to be a close relation to pigs, recent DNA research has proven the link between whales and hippos. It is a very shy animal and largely becomes active at night. Only very lucky or patient nature lovers get to witness their various characteristics as depicted in this amazing video… which also reveals some interesting facts about this extraordinary African animal. Children learn about them from an early age. The newborn hippo lives alone as the mother forages, visiting to suckle the baby 3 times a day. Here are 17 Interesting Hippopotamus facts. According to the IUCN Red List, the population number of Pygmy hippos is around 2,000-2,499 mature individuals. They generally exhibit nocturnal activity, being most active from the late afternoon to midnight. One side was cetaceans, which later became whales. Pygmy hippos have less webbing in their feet than common hippos. These hippos are incredibly picky about their home. Hippos and whales share the same multi-chambered stomach. Table of Contents. A constant source of water is a vital life condition for Pygmy hippos, since it prevents their skin from drying and helps them control body temperature. For example, the pygmy hippopotamus is a distinct species, separate from the common hippopotamus. Their cheeks are usually tinted pink. As we talking about semantics, a baby hippo is a calf, a male is a bull and a female a caw. A hippo can gallop up to a speed of 30 km/h on land … Hippos are one of the easiest animals to find on an African safari. They are 3.3 to 5 meters (10.8 to 16.5 feet) long and up to 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) tall at shoulders. The pygmy hippopotamus of western Africa weighs less than 500 pounds but otherwise looks uncannily like a full-sized hippo. ... 19 The smallest among the baleen group is the pygmy right whales (Cetotheriidae) family. Animals and Nature Pygmy hippos have a number of differences from common … To mention just a few, deforestation, hunting, development agriculture and civil conflicts are among serious threats to these animals. A pygmy hippo will lie on its back and urinate, while wagging its tail. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'africafreak_com-leader-1','ezslot_13',180,'0','0']));Common hippos need space to graze and water to stay cool. However, these 'pygmy' animals aren't just small versions of the other species. The closest relations of the hippopotamus are surprisingly cetaceans such as whales and dolphins. 57 Huge Hippo Facts. Conservation Status . Although Pygmy hippos resemble their larger relatives, the Common Hippo, closer observation can define several differences. Now you know all about pygmy hippos, how about a safari to see them in West Africa? As one of the earliest pygmy hippos to be imprisoned in the zoo system in the United States, Billy became a direct ancestor of almost all pygmy hippos at … The pygmy hippo has adaptations for spending time in the water but is much less aquatic than the hippo. They are not very social and spend most of their life alone. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Pygmy Hippopotamus sometimes has the scientific name Choeropisi liberiensis. The pygmy hippopotamus has a rounder head, larger nostrils, and eyes that are positioned more on the side of the head. The sound of a grunting hippo is one of the most common on an African safari. Hippopotami is also accepted as the plural for Hippopotamus. They may be smaller but they are still impressively built animals. These cute creatures are more mobile than their larger cousins and create tunnel-like paths through their swampy feeding grounds. Pygmy hippos are nocturnal and reclusive by nature so, coupled with the vastly declined numbers over the last few decades, little is known about their behaviours in the wild. And you should never come between a pygmy hippo and water! The gathering is called herd, bloat or pod. Plus, an angry mother could take down any leopard or lion. Special pours emit a pink fluid and give pygmy hippos their wet and shiny appearance. The more you learn about these semi-aquatic beasts, the more you will discover several surprising hippopotamus facts. In another whale-like adaptation, pygmy hippos can suckle from their mothers when under the water. They need water, a swamp, and a forest. Pygmy Hippopotamus Facts: Family Life The pygmy hippopotamus has no known mating season, and females give birth (usually to a single calf, but on rare occasions to two calves) at any time of the year. When people are fighting and being displaced, there is rarely much thought for the animals. Taï National Park in Côte d’Ivoire was a traditional stronghold but civil war has drastically reduced their numbers there. The daytime hours are spent resting in the water or on the river bank. There are pygmy rattlesnakes, pygmy marmosets, and pygmy goats, to name a few. Their skin is smooth and thin, which helps to keep them cool in humid environments. Here they are protected as armed rangers help to keep out poachers. This is an entertaining and informative way to learn facts about hippos. A pygmy hippo's body is barrel-shaped and supported by relatively long legs. 10 Fascinating Facts About Hippos. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Facts About the Pygmy Hippo (A Picture Book For Kids 145). The natural range of this species covers West Africa, including countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and the Ivory Coast. The length of its tail is about 6.3 in (16 cm). It is true, though, that the pygmy hippo is much smaller than the common hippo, which is how the pygmy hippo got its name. Both before and during the mating season you will see pygmy hippos moving around in pairs. Individuals breed once every 7 - 9 months. Eaton does a good job balancing facts with fun. Ideally they want a waterhole or lake that is surrounded by swamp and hidden in a forest! However, thin skin is susceptible to sunburn, as many of us know all to well! ... Pygmy hippos are pregnant for a slightly shorter time period: six to seven months. A mother hippopotamus is pregnant for 324 days, that’s about 10 1/2 months. 60 million years ago the walking whale split into two directions. But it differs in behavior and physical characteristics. Its nose and ears close underwater just like a hippo's do, but its head is rounder and narro… Your email address will not be published. More dangerous than a lion? There are two species of hippopotamus: the common hippo and the much smaller pygmy hippo. Hippos live in groups called schools, pods, bloat, or sieges of 10-30 hippos. The other was anthracotheres, a group of strange land mammals of which hippos are the only one still alive. Their … Although normally silent, they may sometimes give out snorting, grunting, hissing and squeaking sounds. For a number of different species, there are 'pygmy' versions. They bully their peers and shove their weight around, grunting and growling in the process. Meet The Pygmy Hippopotamus: Introduction. On a Botswana safari you can sometimes see more than 50 hippos wallowing together in the same river. Most pygmy hippos in the United States have a history linked to car tyres. This makes it suited to pushing head-down through dense forest vegetation while looking for food at night. Pygmy hippos are very small hippopotamuses. babies weigh between 50-120 pounds. Pygmy hippos breed well in captivity: Since the arrival of Billy, 58 pygmy hippos have been born at the National Zoo alone. But this is not common through most of the year. Theodore Roosevelt once supported a bill that would have allowed the introduction of Hippopotamuses into the Bayous of Louisiana. © 2021 Africa Freak | All Rights Reserved, Masai Mara – Independent safari planning guide. Hippos can’t swim or float! Scientific Name: Hippopotamus amphibius. Their sounds include a low grunt and a high-pitched squeak. Sadly, very few leopards are seen in Liberia or Côte d’Ivoire, and we really do not know whether leopards and pygmy hippos interact. When they dive, the species muscular valves in their ears and nostrils close off. A hippo will starve to death if its molars wear down too much to break down food. Okay, it does sound adventurous, but you can visit national parks in Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire, where encounters with the hippos are said to be guaranteed. Good things come in small packages: At first glance, the pygmy hippopotamus looks like a mini version of its larger relative, the hippopotamus (also known as the river or common hippopotamus). … This is why hippo calves … Hence, when specimen of this species was found, some scientists considered it a stunted or juvenile Common hippo. Those in the wild are thought to be polygynous, since territory of each male overlaps with these of multiple females. Pygmy hippos are rarely found, easily recognizable and huge mammals that have always had a relatively small overall population. Found only in sub-Saharan Africa, a hippo in the wild can be almost as dangerous (and unpredictable) as a … So if you do see a pygmy in the United States it is probably a descendant of old Billy. Like common hippos, these pygmies can close their nose and ears underwater. They are one of very few mammals capable of this underwater lactation. Additionally, Pygmy hippos never chew their cud. And they walk underwater instead of actually swimming. These mammals socialize only during the mating season as well as when rearing their offspring. Hippos can close their nostrils and ears to prevent water from entering. Common hippos gather in large pods. An adult individual of this species can dive for as long as 5 - 6 minutes at a time. Most of the pygmy hippos in American zoo are related to Billy. In the wild they are as much myth as reality. But these hippos still look just like hippos, so they are just as impressive for people visiting a zoo. Within this territory, Pygmy hippos inhabit midst parts of tropical lowland forests with dense cover. In just two seconds they can rise from the water and get a complete lung full of air. When encountering each other in the wild, hippos usually ignore one another. They can make sounds, unlike the giraffe, which is a silent animal. Pygmy hippos are relatively smaller and weigh between 350 – 550 pounds. Their only natural predator in the wild has been leopards. Currently, Pygmy hippos are classified as Endangered (EN) and their numbers continue to decrease. They use rivers and lakes as giant birth pools to bring their offspring into the world. A small hippo is still a massive animal. Like the hippopotamus, they are semi-aquatic creatures, although they spend a considerable part of their time on the ground. As we talking about semantics, a baby hippo is a calf, a male is a bull and a female a caw. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The closest living relative of the whales is the hippopotamus. Or flying lemurs, animals that cannot fly, and are not even lemurs. Facts About the Pygmy Hippo (A Picture Book For Kids, Vol 145) [Strattin, Lisa] on Amazon.com. The Pygmy Hippopotamus sometimes has the scientific name Choeropisi liberiensis. Whales are thought to be the closest cousins of hippos. Pygmy hippos sleep on the ground, typically in caves of burrows. Pygmy Hippo on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pygmy_hippopotamus, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/10032/0. They secrete mucous which keeps their skin moist and shiny. Pygmy hippos are smaller than common hippos (Hippopotamus amphibious), about half the size. It would have been nice to have a few actual photos of a hippopotamus, especially a pygmy sized one, but the illustrations are cute. We're all about safari and celebrating wild Africa. Hippos sweat a red liquid. The majority of the 2500-strong population live in Liberia, notably Sapo National Park. Pygmy hippos can go months without making a sound. You should never get in the way of a hippo. Dark hide. 39 interesting facts about hippos. Wild individuals continue to be spotted in Guinea and Sierra Leone, however, this species is now extinct in Nigeria. To keep the 30th American president Calvin Coolidge on side, Firestone gave him a gift from Liberia – a pygmy hippo by the name of Billy. Still, common hippos have a tendency to be belligerent animals. A mother gives birth to her baby underwater. Posted by Editorial Team | Interests, Wildlife | 0. Such large animals do not have natural predators. Pygmy hippos submerge their bodies to stay cool while keeping their heads up to stay alert of their surroundings. When they dive, the species muscular valves in … Interesting and fun Hippopotamus Facts #1 They are referred to as the Hippo because too many people can’t spell their real name correctly! Yet they mostly communicate through bodily gestures instead. It is mainly active at night, walking along well-trodden paths and tunnels through vegetation, and eating a variety of plant material such as grasses, shoots, leaves, and fruit. Captive Pygmy hippos do not have a specific breeding season, but instead can mate at any time of the year. Hippos are the third largest living land mammals, after elephants and white rhinos. They stand 2 and a half feet tall and measure 5 feet from head to tail. Less gregarious, it is seen alone or with one or two … These animals are closely related to the hippopotamus, inhabiting West Africa. Hippos are the third largest living land mammals, after elephants and white rhinos. But 180-270 kg is still a big and dangerous mammal. A Pygmy Hippopotamus, or a pygmy hippo, is a kind of nocturnal species closely attached to common Hippopotamus we see. Mother hippos give birth to one baby during the months of October through April. Hippos, despite their size and shape, are fast. 1-5 Hippopotamus Facts 1. Interesting Facts The name Hippopotamus comes from the ancient greek meaning "river horse" Hippopotamus is often shortened to Hippo. Remove the forest and they have very few places to go. Pygmy hippos have a rounder, shorter snout, with smaller, less protruding nostrils. Required fields are marked *. Pygmy hippos are not so hostile or threatening. Interesting Facts The name Hippopotamus comes from the ancient greek meaning "river horse" Hippopotamus is often shortened to Hippo. The Pygmy Hippopotamus is closely related to Africa's other Hippopotamus species, which is the Common Hippopotamus but is much smaller in size weighing around a fifth of its enormous cousin's weight. Note that this West African range does not overlap with common hippos, so it is unknown if the two would, or could, mate in the wild. Calves are born after a gestation period of 190 to 210 days either in water or on land. They spend around 6 out of 24 hours per day feeding. Native to West African swamps and forests, these introverted and endangered animals are so different from their common hippo cousins.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'africafreak_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_7',145,'0','0'])); Hippos are widely celebrated. From where they live to why their mouths are so big, here are 57 hippo facts. Editorial Team at Africa Freak is a group of expert Africa writers and influencers. The pygmy hippopotamus has a smaller head than the hippopotamus, and a narrow front part of the body. Pygmy hippos compose a separate class of animals. The most fun she has had in her life is the writing of her Children's Picture Books. That hippo went on to stud many pygmy hippos born in captivity inside US zoos. Pygmy hippos are less than a metre in height, only around half of their larger cousins. 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 moisturized and its body temperature cool. Kori bustard – 12 fun facts about Africa’s heaviest flying bird, 7 incredible black and white animals – Africa’s monochrome wonders. The pygmy hippopotamus ( Choeropsis liberiensis) is mainly found in the swamps of Africa. But what about pygmy hippos?eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'africafreak_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_8',146,'0','0'])); These animals are incredibly difficult to study in the wild and less than 2500 remain. pygmy hippos are cheaper to keep than common hippos). They can be found all over Africa, but especially around rivers and lakes. The feet of these mammals are slightly fused, allowing them to walk along bottoms of rivers as well as ascend slippery river banks. Pygmy hippos are routinely hunted for bushmeat as well, a problem that was exacerbated during civil war in Liberia (1989 – 1997 and 1999 – 2003) and Côte d’Ivoire (2002 – 2007 and 2010 – 2011). There are two species of hippopotamus: the common hippo and the much smaller pygmy hippo. You’re about to read some of the most interesting pygmy hippo facts. These semi-aquatic mammals live and construct burrows along swamps and rivers, constantly remaining in close proximity to water. Just stay clear of their space and you will be fine. Baby hippos drink milk … This article will be discussing in depth, about the Pygmy Hippopotamus, its physical description, characteristics, habitat, food, reproduction, behavior and conservation issues. Their biggest challenge has always been habitat loss. They can both communicate underwater and have a dense fatty bladder protecting their bodies.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'africafreak_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_15',187,'0','0'])); Pygmy hippos are on the same genetic line as hippos and share the same walking whale ancestor. A Pygmy Hippopotamus, or a pygmy hippo, is a kind of nocturnal species closely attached to common Hippopotamus we see. In appearance they are simply smaller versions of common hippos. Like common hippos they can munch through great swathes of grass, but most of their food comes from the forest.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'africafreak_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_11',188,'0','0'])); They love semi-aquatic plants and forest herbs, as well as fallen fruit and young leaves. Wild pygmy hippopotami are only found in West Africa. Then they can disappear and spend three to four minutes submerged on a single breath. They are smaller than common hippos, meaning they need less space and consume far less food (i.e. They are 3.3 to 5 meters (10.8 to 16.5 feet) long and up to 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) tall at shoulders. Although they are distant cousins, there are many differences between the pygmy hippo and the common hippo, so biologists gave both species very different names: Choeropsis liberiensis for pygmy hippos and Hippopotamus amphibius for common hippos. Enter your email for your weekly dose of ‘wild Africa’ directly to your inbox. The calf is weaned at 6 - 8 months old and is reproductively mature at 3 - 5 years of age. This is similar to giraffe, an animal with various subspecies that do not overlap. Their feet are less webbed than their cousins’, because they spend more time on land than in water. Some researchers suggest that Pygmy hippos are polygynandrous (promiscuous) with both males and females breeding with multiple mates. Breeding programmes in captivity have been successful in zoos around the world, and it is from these pygmy hippos that most research has been come. Here are a couple other hippopotamus facts about their teeth that you may find interesting: Hippo canine teeth continue to grow and can even reach up to 50 cm (1 ft 8 in) in length. Other interesting pygmy hippopotamus facts: The top speed of the pygmy hippopotamus is 30kph (18.6mph). What? Pygmy hippos are exactly as their name suggests. According to the IUCN red list, the key threats to pygmy hippo populations are logging, wood harvesting, mining and quarrying, plus agriculture replacing woodland. Learn how your comment data is processed. Each of these hippos can be carrying as much ivory as a young elephant, so they have been prime targets over the last 50 years. This means they can be almost entirely submerged, but still be able to breathe comfortably. Hippos are the third largest living land mammals, after elephants and white rhinos. Its legs and neck are longer and head smaller in relation to its body compared to common hippos. Hippos spend the majority of their energy in water since they don’t have sweat organs and that is the best way to counteract overheating. Harvey Firestone owned a rubber plantation in Liberia. Interesting facts about Liberia include the pygmy hippo (Shutterstock) Like common hippos, these smaller semiaquatic animals need water to keep their body temperature cool. It works as a moisturizer and keeps their skin from drying out. … Just like whales, pygmy hippos have specially designed lungs that can fill quicker than those of other mammals. Fun Hippopotamus Facts for Kids The lifespan for a hippo is 50 years. They are hunted for their ivory teeth. Beh… – Source 2. Zoos love to keep pygmy hippos and many hundreds of these animals live in captivity. With a broad mouth, a hairless body, and a set of semi-aquatic habits, the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) has always struck humans as vaguely comical creatures. Instead they sink, then rise back to the surface. Like their larger cousins, pygmy hippos can be very aggressive. If you have made such an adventure then we want to know about it, as an experience with pygmy hippos would really be a connection to your wild side.
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