The pygmy hippopotamus or pygmy hippo (Choeropsis liberiensis) is a small hippopotamid which closely resembles its larger relative, the Hippopotamus. An adult pygmy hippo stands at 1m (3.25ft) tall and weighs up to 275kg (606lbs), which makes it half as tall and under a quarter of the weight of a hippo. Aside from its size, the pygmy hippo is adapted for a more terrestrial life and as a result, it has comparatively longer legs, less pronounced eye-orbits and nostrils, and less webbing on its toes.
The pygmy hippopotamus is native to the rainforests and swamps of West Africa, with the largest populations being in Liberia. Although not as aquatic as its larger relative, it still relies on water to keep its skin moist. Pygmy hippos live alone or in small groups and emerge from the water at night to feed on ferns, broad-leaved plants and fallen fruit. A reclusive animal, little is known about the wild behavior of pygmy hippos. Although they breed well in captivity and may live for over 50 years, there are believed to be less than 2500 pygmy hippos in the wild.
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