Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- pygmy_hippopotamus [2022/10/28 12:00] – zookeeper
+++ pygmy_hippopotamus [2023/08/16 14:45] (current) – zookeeper
@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 {{ :waepygmyhippo1.png?400|}}
-**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. This species of hippopotamus is 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. Numerous reasons may explain the relative smallness of the Pygmy Hippopotamus - with a smaller surface area, it absorbs less heat - and its hide is glossy for the same reason. Small size also makes its presence less noticeable to potential predators. Being smaller also helps it to move quicker in the rainforest.
+**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.