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| pygmy_hippopotamus [2021/10/29 13:37] – zookeeper | pygmy_hippopotamus [2023/08/16 14:45] (current) – zookeeper |
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| Species: LIBERIENISIS | Species: LIBERIENISIS |
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| [{{ :pygmyhippo.png?nolink&300|//The Pygmy Hippopotamus is smaller and more timid than its Savannah relative. It is however, still quite dangerous to animals that may come too close//.}}] | {{ :waepygmyhippo1.png?400|}} |
| **T**he smaller of the two living hippopotanoids, both of which are commonly referred to simply as 'hippos'. This one has a smaller and more specialised range than its larger counterpart, in small areas of Central Africa. Pygmy Hippos are rare to observe in the wild, where their preferred habitat is forest. It is thought that the Pygmy Hippopotamus diverged from the //Hippopotamus// genus some 7 million years ago, with some populations in Central Africa becoming smaller as for lack of resources to keep at a large size. Smaller-sized, and adaptable hippos in this environment would perhaps be favoured by selection. A blackish hide allows the pygmy hippo to take in sunlight, and have good camouflage in the shaded forest. | **T**he smaller of the two living hippopotanoids, both of which are commonly referred to simply as 'hippos'. This species has a smaller and more specialised range than its larger counterpart, in small areas of Central Africa. It is thought that the Pygmy Hippopotamus diverged from the //Hippopotamus// genus some 7 million years ago. |
| | Two sub-species are recognised - but only one is believed to be of extance. The Western Pygmy Hippopotamus, //C. l. liberiensis//, is found in areas of western Africa, with most being found in the country of Liberia. The Nigerian, or Eastern Pygmy Hippopotamus, //C. l. heslopi//, is found in countries east of the Liberian range - but has not been observed since the early 20th century, and is thought to be extinct. |