Class: MAMMALIA

Order: ARTIODACTYLA

Family: HIPPOPOTAMIDAE

Genus: CHOEROPSIS

Species: LIBERIENISIS

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.

The 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. The Pygmy Hippo may have become small as it is for a number of reasons - 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.