A round, compact body,
short legs,
and a surprisingly shy personality.

The Pygmy Hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) is a rare herbivorous mammal native to the tropical forests of West Africa. Unlike the large and highly aquatic common hippopotamus, the pygmy hippo is much smaller and leads a more secretive life.

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🧬 Basic Information

• Scientific Name: Choeropsis liberiensis
• Common Name: Pygmy Hippopotamus
• Range: Liberia, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and parts of West Africa
• Weight: About 180–275 kg (400–600 lbs)
• Shoulder Height: Around 75–100 cm (30–39 inches)
• Lifespan: 30–40 years (often longer in captivity)

👉 It is significantly smaller and more slender than the common hippopotamus.

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👀 Appearance & Characteristics

• Dark brown or grayish skin
• Large, rounded eyes
• Slightly longer legs
• More streamlined face and body

✔️ Differences from the Common Hippopotamus

• Lives mostly alone rather than in large groups
• Adapted to forest environments
• Spends more time on land than in water

✨ Although related to river hippos, pygmy hippos are better adapted to life in dense forests.

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🌿 Habitat & Behavior

• Tropical rainforests and swamps
• Mostly nocturnal
• Rests in water or mud during the day

👉 A shy and reclusive animal that avoids human contact whenever possible.

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🍃 Diet

• Herbivorous
• Feeds on grasses, leaves, fruits, and shoots

✔️ Consumes a wide variety of forest vegetation.

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⚠️ Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Endangered
• Main threats: habitat destruction and poaching

👉 With a small and declining population, the species is internationally protected.

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The Pygmy Hippopotamus is:

🦛 A small, quiet hippo of the forest
🌳 An important part of tropical rainforest ecosystems
⚠️ A species in need of conservation

Different from its larger relative,
it is a rare and fascinating creature hidden within Africa’s forests.