Saturday, December 1, 2007

Pygmy Hippopotamus

The Pygmy Hippopotamus, Hexaprotodon liberiensis, has eyes and nostrils that are set lower on the sides of their more rounded heads than the common hippo. This species is also more solitary, and spends more time out of the water. They were officially declared a new species in 1911. Approximately 2,000 Pygmy Hippos live in fragmented swampy areas of western Africa. Deforestation and the bushmeat trade are causing this animal's numbers to decline.

1 comment:

Cortney said...

I love pygmy hippos!!! Where can I buy one?