MAMMAL MONDAY # 41

MAMMAL MONDAY # 41

We’ve off to Western Africa to meet a rare and special species! These mammals look like a smaller version of a large and in charge animal, named the hippo! That’s right folks we’re off to the marshes to meet…

MEET THE PYGMY HIPPO!

    Range/Habitat: West Africa/ marshes, ponds

   Diet: Herbivore: grasses, shrubs, ferns

   Length/Weight: 4 ½-5 ft/ 540-600 lbs

   Conservation Status: vulnerable

Fun Facts:

• Pygmy hippos are about 1/5 the size of the Nile Hippo.
• They are different than their cousins though. They spend most of their time on land.
• They only have one pair of incisors, compared to the two that large hippos have.
• Pygmy hippos are mostly nocturnal (active at night).
• They are solitary (spend most of their time alone).
• Pygmy hippos have always thought to be rare.
• They are relatively shy.
• Pygmy hippos ooze pink fluid to protect their skin.

These round and plump relatives of the common hippo sure are cute. We wonder if we could fit one in our bathtub. Probably not… oh well.