Pygmy Hippopotamus Choeropsis liberiensis

Pygmy Hippopotamus Choeropsis liberiensis

IUCN Status: Endangered

Location: The Pygmy Hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) is found in the dense forests, swamps, and riverbanks of West Africa, primarily in Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. They rely on the remaining fragments of lowland rainforest, particularly near freshwater sources, where they navigate through dense undergrowth using well-worn trails.

In the dwindling rainforests of West Africa, a rare and secretive #hippo clings to survival. The Pygmy #Hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) is a shy, nocturnal #mammal dwelling in rivers, distinct from its larger, more familiar relative, the Common Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius). Long before chubby #MooDeng 🦛💔 the baby pygmy hippo chonk became a social media sensation, the forest habitat of the beautiful pygmy #Hippo 🦛of #Guinea #Liberia 🇱🇷 #Africa was being razed for #palmoil, #cocoa and other crops. Unlike their river-dwelling cousins, Pygmy Hippos are primarily solitary, roaming through dense tropical forests in search of food. Their populations have been devastated by relentless deforestation, hunting, and habitat fragmentation, leaving them teetering on the brink of extinction. They now endangered. Such beautiful creatures deserve to be saved! There are now fewer than 2,500 individuals remaining in the wild. Fight back and #BoycottPalmOil 🌴🪔🚫 #Boycott4Wildlife every time you shop!

https://youtu.be/hFfsonkN1Vc

The forest habitat of the beautiful pygmy #Hippo 🦛of #Guinea #Liberia 🇱🇷 #Africa is being razed for #palmoil and other crops. They now endangered. Such a beautiful creature deserves to be saved! Fight back and #BoycottPalmOil 🌴🪔🚫 #Boycott4Wildlife https://wp.me/pcFhgU-Qp

Long before chubby #MooDeng 🦛💔 the baby pygmy #hippo chonk became an #socialmedia sensation, #Liberia’s #forests were being pulped for #palmoil #cocoa and #tobacco #agriculture 😡 Help her and 1000s of others to survive! Be #Vegan and #Boycott4Wildlife https://wp.me/pcFhgU-Qp

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Appearance and Behaviour

The Pygmy Hippopotamus is rarely seen because of their secretive, nocturnal habits and consequently not much is known of their ecology. This diminutive hippopotamus mainly inhabits lowland primary and secondary forests, close to rivers, streams and Raphia palm tree swamps sometimes being found along gallery forests extending into Transitional Woodland and the southern Guinea savanna.

Pygmy Hippos are significantly smaller than Common Hippos, standing only 70–80 cm tall at the shoulder and weighing between 180–270 kg (Saidu et al., 2022). Their compact bodies are adapted for navigating dense forests rather than open waterways. They possess smooth, hairless skin that secretes a natural mucus, acting as a protective barrier against dehydration and infection. This secretion has an unusual reddish tint, earning it the nickname “blood sweat,” though it has no connection to actual blood.

Unlike their gregarious relatives, Pygmy Hippos are solitary or found in pairs, with mothers keeping their calves hidden in secluded pools for extended periods. They are highly elusive and primarily active during twilight and nighttime hours. Camera traps in Liberia and Sierra Leone have shown that they move cautiously through forested wetlands, following well-worn trails that they mark with dung, a behaviour similar to that of their larger relatives.

Large areas of the original forest habitat, especially in Côte d’Ivoire, have been destroyed or degraded by commercial plantations of oil palm and other products, shifting cultivation, mining and logging, and hunting for bushmeat is increasing throughout the range (Mallon et al. 2011, FFI and FDA 2013). 

IUCN Red List

Ecosystem Role

Pygmy Hippos play a crucial role in maintaining the health of forest ecosystems. By foraging on vegetation and dispersing seeds, they contribute to forest regeneration and seed dispersal. Their movements create pathways through dense undergrowth, benefiting other species by increasing habitat accessibility. However, their shrinking populations threaten these ecological functions, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.

Predators

Few natural predators pose a significant threat to adult Pygmy Hippos, though young individuals are vulnerable to Leopards Panthera pardus, African Rock Pythons (Python sebae), and Nile Crocodiles Crocodylus niloticus. Camera trap evidence has also captured predation by African Golden Cats Caracal aurata and African Civet in some regions. However, human activity remains their greatest existential threat.

Threats

The Pygmy Hippopotamus Choeropsis liberiensis is facing a severe population decline due to habitat destruction, hunting, and increasing human pressures. Their remaining forested habitats are rapidly disappearing, leaving isolated populations vulnerable to extinction.

1. Deforestation and Habitat Loss

West Africa’s rainforests have been devastated by large-scale deforestation, with over 90% of the Upper Guinea Forest already lost. Shifting agriculture is the primary driver, with forests cleared at an accelerating rate to make way for crops and livestock. Expanding commercial plantations, particularly oil palm, rubber, and coffee, continue to erode remaining habitat. Mining operations, road construction, and infrastructure development have further fragmented the landscape, even encroaching into protected areas like Taï and Sapo National Parks. As human settlements expand, Pygmy Hippos are forced into smaller and more fragmented patches of forest, increasing their vulnerability.

2. Hunting and the Bushmeat Trade

Pygmy Hippos are increasingly being hunted, both opportunistically and for commercial sale. While not traditionally a primary target, they are killed for bushmeat in rural areas where alternative protein sources are scarce. Reports indicate that in some regions, commercial bushmeat markets have placed additional pressure on their populations. Their skulls, bones, and other body parts are sometimes used in traditional African medicine and spiritual practices. Additionally, free-ranging domestic dogs are known to attack and kill Pygmy Hippos, particularly young or weakened individuals.

3. Habitat Fragmentation and Isolation

The destruction of forest corridors has left Pygmy Hippo populations increasingly isolated, reducing genetic diversity and increasing the risk of local extinction. As forested areas continue to shrink, the lack of connectivity between populations means that even those in protected areas face long-term viability challenges. Habitat fragmentation also makes Pygmy Hippos more vulnerable to hunting, as roads and human settlements provide easier access to once-remote areas.

4. Competition with Humans and Livestock

With human populations in their range doubling every 20–30 years, there is ever-increasing pressure on natural resources. Domestic cattle increasingly compete with Pygmy Hippos for access to water sources, particularly during dry seasons. In many areas, pastoralists illegally graze their livestock inside national parks and reserves, further degrading critical Pygmy Hippo habitat. This competition not only depletes available resources but also increases human-wildlife conflict, often leading to retaliatory killings of Pygmy Hippos.

5. Climate Change and Environmental Pressures

Rising temperatures and prolonged dry seasons are altering the Pygmy Hippo’s habitat, reducing wetland areas essential for their survival. Changes in vegetation due to shifting rainfall patterns may further limit the availability of preferred food sources, forcing Pygmy Hippos to travel greater distances in search of sustenance. As forests become drier, wildfires pose an additional threat, accelerating habitat destruction and making remaining populations even more vulnerable.

Diet

Pygmy Hippos are herbivorous, feeding primarily on forest vegetation. They consume ferns, tender roots, leaves, and fruit from various trees and plants. Research from Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone, identified key food sources, including sweet potato leaves (Ipomoea batatas), cacao (Theobroma cacao), okra (Hibiscus esculentus), and creeping vines such as Geophila obvallata. Unlike Common Hippos, they are less dependent on aquatic vegetation and do not graze extensively on grasses.

Reproduction and Mating

Little is known about the reproductive behaviour of Pygmy Hippos in the wild. Captive studies indicate that they reach sexual maturity at around 4–5 years, with a gestation period of approximately 188 days (Lang, 1975; Tobler, 1991). Females typically give birth to a single calf, weighing between 4.5–6.2 kg. Unlike Common Hippos, Pygmy Hippos give birth on land, and calves are left hidden in secluded pools while their mothers forage (Galat-Luong, 1981).

Geographic Range

Historically, Pygmy Hippos ranged widely across West Africa, but their distribution has dramatically contracted. Today, they are found in fragmented populations in Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, primarily within protected areas such as Taï National Park and Sapo National Park (Ransom, Robinson & Collen, 2015). They prefer lowland tropical forests near rivers and swamps, where dense vegetation provides cover.

FAQs

1. How many Pygmy Hippopotamuses are left in the wild?

The exact population size of the Pygmy Hippopotamus is unknown due to their elusive nature and dense forest habitat, but estimates suggest fewer than 2,500 individuals remain in the wild. Their numbers are rapidly declining due to habitat loss, hunting, and human encroachment.

2. Why are Pygmy Hippos endangered?

Pygmy Hippos are endangered primarily due to deforestation, which has destroyed over 90% of the Upper Guinea Forest, their primary habitat. Additional threats include hunting for bushmeat, competition with livestock for water, and climate change, which is altering their wetland habitats.

3. How do Pygmy Hippos differ from Common Hippos?

Unlike their larger relatives, Pygmy Hippos are more terrestrial, reclusive, and nocturnal. They are about half the size of Common Hippos, lack the same level of aggression, and are adapted to life in dense forests rather than open rivers and lakes.

4. What do Pygmy Hippos eat?

Pygmy Hippos are herbivores, feeding on a variety of plants, ferns, fruits, and aquatic vegetation. Their diet consists of tender roots, leaves, fallen fruit, and occasionally cultivated crops like sweet potatoes, okra, and cassava.

5. Do Pygmy Hippos live in groups?

No, Pygmy Hippos are mostly solitary animals. They only come together for mating or when a mother is raising her calf. Unlike Common Hippos, they do not form large social groups.

6. Where can you find Pygmy Hippos?

They are found in the forests and swamps of West Africa, specifically in Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. Small, scattered populations may exist in protected areas like Taï National Park and Sapo National Park.

7. How do Pygmy Hippos mark their territory?

Pygmy Hippos use a unique method of territory marking by vigorously wagging their tail while defecating. This spreads their dung across trails and vegetation, signaling their presence to other individuals.

8. How long do Pygmy Hippos live?

In the wild, their lifespan is estimated to be around 30 years, while in captivity, they can live up to 40 years due to the absence of predators and consistent food availability.

9. Do Pygmy Hippos have predators?

Adult Pygmy Hippos have few natural predators due to their size, but young individuals are vulnerable to leopards, nile crocodiles, and African rock pythons. However, their greatest threat comes from human activities, including illegal poaching and habitat destruction.

10. Can Pygmy Hippos swim?

Yes, Pygmy Hippos are excellent swimmers and rely on water for hydration, temperature regulation, and protection from predators. However, they spend more time on land than Common Hippos and are well adapted to moving through dense forests.

11. Do Pygmy Hippos make sounds?

Pygmy Hippos communicate using a variety of sounds, including grunts, bellows, and squeaks. These vocalisations are used for warning others, mating calls, and communication between mothers and calves.

12. Are Pygmy Hippos aggressive?

Pygmy Hippos are not as aggressive as Common Hippos, but they are highly territorial and can be defensive if threatened. Their reclusive nature makes human encounters rare.

13. Are Pygmy Hippos good parents?

Yes, female Pygmy Hippos are very protective of their young. They hide their calves in dense vegetation or secluded pools while they forage, returning regularly to nurse them.

14. How do Pygmy Hippos reproduce?

Pygmy Hippos reach sexual maturity at around 3–5 years old. They have a gestation period of about six months, typically giving birth to a single calf. Twins are very rare.

15. How can we help save Pygmy Hippos?

The best way to help protect Pygmy Hippos is by supporting conservation efforts that focus on preserving their remaining rainforest habitat. Avoiding products linked to deforestation, such as palm oil, and supporting organisations working to stop illegal hunting and deforestation are crucial. Always choose products that are 100% palm oil-free to avoid contributing to biodiversity loss.

Take Action

The survival of Pygmy Hippos depends on urgent conservation action. Their habitat continues to vanish due to deforestation, mining, and agriculture. Individuals and organisations can help by:

• Boycotting palm oil to reduce habitat destruction.

• Supporting wildlife conservation efforts in West Africa, particularly initiatives that focus on habitat restoration and anti-poaching measures.

• Advocating for stronger enforcement of hunting bans and protection of remaining forest areas.

• Educating local communities on the importance of conserving Pygmy Hippos and providing alternative livelihoods to reduce hunting pressure.

Always choose products that are 100% palm oil-free to avoid contributing to deforestation and biodiversity loss.

Support the conservation of this species

Pygmy Hippo Foundation

Further Information

Avedik, A., & Clauss, M. (2023). Chewing, dentition and tooth wear in Hippopotamidae (Hippopotamus amphibius and Choeropsis liberiensis). PLOS ONE, 18(10), e0291825. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0291825

Eltringham, S. K. (1999). The Hippos: Natural History and Conservation. Academic Press. https://books.google.com.au/books/about/The_Hippos.html

Erazo-Mera, E., Younes, N., Horwood, P. F., Paris, D., Paris, M., & Murray, N. (2023). Forest loss during 2000–2019 in pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) habitats was driven by shifting agriculture. Environmental Conservation, 51(1), 55-63. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0376892923000310

Ransom, C, Robinson, P.T. & Collen, B. 2015. Choeropsis liberiensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T10032A18567171. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T10032A18567171.en. Downloaded on 15 February 2021

Saidu, J. B., Adewumi, A. A., Lameed, G. A., & Udo, A. J. (2022). Food preference of pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) in the Tiwai Island edge communities, South-Eastern Sierra Leone. Environtropica, 17, 014-026. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/386552939

Pygmy Hippopotamus Choeropsis liberiensis

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