Pygmy hippopotamus

Choeropsis liberiensis

Introduction

The pygmy hippopotamus is a semi-aquatic mammal that is considerably smaller than its close relative, the common hippopotamus. It inhabits the dense forests and swamps of West Africa, mainly in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire. Although it tends to be nocturnal, this is not exclusive, and it generally leads a solitary life except when females are rearing young or during the breeding season.

Hipopótamo pigmeo parcialmente sumergido en el agua, con la cabeza visible mientras descansa.

WEIGHT
180 – 275 kg

DIET
Herbivorous

ORIGIN
West Africa

GESTATION
184 – 210 días

General characteristics of pygmy hippopotamus

Males and females of this species are similar in size, measuring between 1.50 and 1.77 metres in length, with a height that does not exceed 83 centimetres and a weight ranging from 180 to 275 kg. Their skin is dark brown or greyish, becoming lighter on the underside.

Moreover, unlike the common hippopotamus, the eyes and nostrils of the pygmy hippo do not protrude as prominently—an adaptation that reflects its more terrestrial lifestyle.

Diet

The pygmy hippopotamus is herbivorous. It feeds on a wide variety of plant species, which vary according to geographical location and season. Its diet includes branches, shoots, grasses, ferns and fruits, as well as tubers and roots from several plant species.

It is believed that they may consume more than 150 different plant species. They generally spend around 5–6 hours a day feeding, mostly during the late afternoon and throughout the night.

Hipopótamo pigmeo (Choeropsis liberiensis) en Loro Parque, mostrando su cuerpo compacto y su boca abierta.

Hipopótamo pigmeo caminando por una zona poco profunda, con el cuerpo completamente visible fuera del agua.

Lifestyle

The pygmy hippopotamus is predominantly solitary and essentially nocturnal. During the day, it usually remains hidden and resting in humid areas, emerging at dusk to feed. Despite its compact and heavy body, it moves with surprising agility both on land and in water, using well-trodden paths through dense vegetation.

Although individuals mark their territory with faeces, they tend to be tolerant of others, often ignoring each other where territories overlap.

Reproduction

Sexual maturity is reached between 4 and 5 years of age. The oestrous cycle of the female lasts around 35 days, with a heat period of 24–48 hours. The average gestation period is 188 days, after which a single calf weighing 4.5–6.2 kg is born; twins are extremely rare.

Moreover, weaning occurs between the sixth and eighth month. During the first 3–5 months, the calf does not accompany the mother while she forages, instead remaining hidden in pools or other secluded spots.

Primer plano del rostro de un hipopótamo pigmeo, mostrando sus ojos, hocico ancho y piel oscura.

Geographical distribution and habitat

The pygmy hippopotamus inhabits dense tropical forests and wetlands in West Africa, with current populations in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire. It is also considered extinct in countries such as Nigeria.

Unlike the common hippopotamus, which lives in riverine savannahs, the pygmy hippopotamus prefers forested areas with access to water sources.

Hipopótamo pigmeo sumergido bajo el agua, rodeado de peces.

Threats to the population

Classified as Endangered by the IUCN, the main threat facing pygmy hippopotamus populations is the destruction of their habitat. Deforestation for various purposes, such as agriculture, timber extraction and crop plantations —including palm oil— has fragmented the forests they inhabit, isolating populations and leading to serious demographic consequences.

Conservation status

Population status: Decreasing
Population trend: Endangered (EN)

Photos of pygmy hippopotamus

Interesting facts about pygmy hippos

Terrestrial habits

They may sleep in burrows or caves, either naturally formed or originally created by other animals. They tend to change their shelter once or twice a week

Skilled swimmers

They are excellent swimmers and can close their nostrils and ears when diving

Very specific predators

Excluding human hunting, adult individuals of this species are only preyed upon by the leopard and the Nile crocodile

Protective physiology

They have glands that produce a reddish-brown secretion, which is often mistaken for blood sweat, but is in fact neither sweat nor blood. These secretions help protect their skin from sunlight

Difficult to observe

They are very difficult to observe and monitor in their natural habitat due to their behaviour and the dense vegetation of the areas they inhabit

How we help conserve the pygmy hippopotamus

Modern zoos, such as Loro Parque, play a key role in conserving the species by participating in the European Breeding Programme (EEP) for the pygmy hippopotamus.

These breeding programmes aim to ensure the genetic viability and long-term health of ex situ populations, which may later support in situ conservation efforts.

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