In 1993 its population was estimated at only 2-3,000 individuals and since then numbers have declined due to habitat loss and hunting. On this page, I encourage readers to make a change and start on ways to help these hippo's. Pygmy Hippo Pet – Can you Have a Pet Pygmy Hippo? Pygmy hippos are among the species illegally hunted for food in Liberia . The forests that shelter them are being cut down or burned away, and the rivers where they swim are now polluted by humans. There are many threats to biodiversity today. The extent of the hippo tooth trade and the significance of other endangered species can lead to “uncontrolled absorption levels” of those animals and ultimately accelerate their extinction, the study’s authors argue. The Pygmy Hippo is a symbol of the forests of West Africa - the hippos' fate is intrinsically linked to that of the forest. Pygmy Hippopotamus are vegetarians and feed on leaves, plants and fresh shoots when traveling the undergrowth in the late evening and night time. ZSL is working in the field and in our zoos to protect the remaining populations. Hippopotamus Lifespan – What does a Hippo do to Survive. More than 90% of Hong Kong’s global hippo tooth business is imported and re-exported. They found that almost all the world trade in hippo passes through Hong Kong – the, Why are hippos endangered? Most pygmy hippos live in protected areas and all the countries they live in have developed strategies that help protect hippos. This overall divergence of trade data undermines regulatory measures and challenges the persistence of the African hippo population. Very little is known about the shy pygmy hippo, and while common hippos are listed as vulnerable and pygmy hippos endangered, both of their conservation statuses are based on a 2004 estimate recommendation. In total, more than 14,000kg of hippo toothless between Uganda and Hong Kong, representing 2,700 unique hippos worldwide. Despite the fact that they are large animals pygmy hippos they are endangered due to habitat loss and hunting in 1993 there were only 2000-3000 individuals. These shy animals are also hunted for their meat in logged areas. Therefore, its transparent why are hippos endangered? Copyright 2010 Updated 2019 Website by Stormhill Media, More Skilled Warrior than Quiet Conservationist. Conservation Problem Despite being a large mammal, the Pygmy Hippopotamus is an elusive and rarely seen species. The common hippo is not endangered, but listed as vulnerable. Known to be found only in four countries in West Africa, pygmy hippos are now classified as endangered, with possibly less than 3,000 individuals remaining in the wild. The pygmy hippo is much shyer and gentler, and it is more solitary as well. Very little is known about the shy pygmy hippo, and while common hippos are listed as vulnerable and pygmy hippos endangered, both of their conservation statuses are based on a 2004 estimate recommendation. They advocate protection of habitation through the extension of protected areas and legal enforcement against hunting and logging. © 2020 WILD SKY MEDIA. A pygmy hippo looks much like the better-known common hippo, but smaller, with eyes on the side of a more rounded head. The Ancient Greeks named the hippopotamus “water horse” because it may spend up to 16 hours a day resting or moving slowly in lakes and rivers to keep cool. Maybe that helps explain its love of water! There are two species of hippos — the large/common hippo and the smaller relative, the pygmy hippo. Both types of hippo habitat are threatened due to logging and human settlement. The pygmy hippopotamus, or pygmy hippo, Choeropsis liberiensis, is an endangered mammal of high conservation concern endemic to the threatened Upper Guinea forest hotspot of West Africa. Hippos’ skin secretes, or lets out, a reddish substance known as “blood sweat.” It really does look like blood—but it’s not. The number of pygmy hippopotamuses left in the wild is estimated to be between 2,000 and 2,500 individuals, and the population is decreasing. Pygmy hippos live in swampy areas and next to rivers. An adult pygmy hippo may weight about 180 to 275 kg (397 to 606 lbs). Your email address will not be published. As the Pygmy Hippopotamus’s are nocturnal they spend their days like most other hippos … In all, Hong Kong has reported the import of 1,717kg more hippo teeth than Tanzania’s exports. Pygmy hippos are found in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and the Ivory Coast Adults grow 70 to 80cm high (27.5 to 31.4in) They are nocturnal and live alone or in pairs The hippo’s closest relatives are cetaceans, which include porpoises and whales.

This represented more than twice the number of captive-born pygmy hippos since 1970. Scientists believe the pygmy hippo actively avoids other hippos, meeting only briefly to mate. All countries in which the pygmy hippos are present are protected by law and are in Appendix II to the CITES, which means that trade in any part of the animal is restricted. Pygmy hippos are an endangered species, but in April, one was born at the San Diego Zoo.

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