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(Choeropsis liberiensis)

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·       The current range of the pygmy hippopotamus is several countries of West Africa, while the historical range included parts of South and East Africa. They live in lowland forests close to rivers, streams, and palm tree swamps

·       The IUCN red list status as of 2015 is endangered, with the population trend decreasing

·       As herbivores, this species' diet consists of mostly ferns, broad-leaved plants, and fruits reachable on the forest floor

·       Their social structure is different than their larger cousins, as they are solitary yet not territorial. They only interact when raising young or when mating

·       As large mammals, pygmy hippos contribute to the ecosystem through the nutrient cycle, adding nitrogen, carbon, and other nutrients and minerals to streams and forest floors. Additionally, they are ecosystem builders in that they contribute to shaping river banks and compacting forest ground. Likewise, many species are not able to eat these hippos so they are not a common prey species

·       Although this species is fairly rare to see in the wild, the pygmy hippopotamus is a valuable ecotourism resource for the locals who lead wildlife tours in a few select areas (for example, check out Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary)

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Much of what the public knows about this species is through zoos and wildlife sanctuaries that exhibit the pygmy hippopotamus. As numbers are rare in the wild, most who see them in their natural habitat are either part of an ecotourism group or are poachers. The media presents them as a cuter and less dangerous version of their more well known cousin, as they aren't as aggressive or territorial as the later. Most of the stories circulating in the media are about a new birth at a zoo or an update on their well-being, without much acknowledgment about conservation needs or the wildlife trade, although sometimes mentioned. Overall, it would seem as if this species is far less known than its cousin, and when talked about it is relatively light and related to zoo topics.

Aside from the media, the locals have their own opinions from the species living in their backyards. To check out their thoughts, click on the paper below!

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This map shows the population distribution of the pygmy hippos, separated by subspecies.

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This is a great example of the kind of habitat this species lives in.

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Tropical and subtropical coniferous forests

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It is hard to get videos or photographs on the pygmy hippopotamus in the wild, so this one below is quite interesting to watch!

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Rare Video Footage of a Pygmy Hippo in Tai Forest, Ivory Coast - Part I

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Researchers have recently discovered that these hippos sometimes make use of burrows or dens that are made in river banks. They are currently investigating if the pygmy hippos are involved in making these burrows themselves.

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Some information on how the species behaves, along with behavioral differences between males and females.

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Wildlife trade and poaching is a huge global issue, particularly for species with ivory parts like elephants and hippopotamus. Apparently, "the demand for hippo teeth sharply escalated after a 1989 ban on the international trade of elephant ivory, according to IUCN". While hippo teeth fetch less money at the black market because hippo ivory is legal but regulated, it is still a major driving force for many poachers. Additionally, for those who don't hunt legally, "hippo teeth are also easier to smuggle than elephant tusks".

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When it comes to the global wildlife trade, conservationists have a long list of things to be worried about. They might need to add hippos to the top of that list.

A recent study published in the African Journal of Ecology by researchers from the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Hong Kong reveals significant discrepancies in the trade volumes of hippo teeth could be threatening their survival.

Hippos are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Unregulated hunting for their meat, skin, and teeth, combined with shrinking habitats and increased hippo-human conflict have lead to a decline in populations across Africa. At the current rates, the species could disappear within a century.

The demand for hippo teeth sharply escalated after a 1989 ban on the international trade of elephant ivory, according to IUCN. The carved ivory ornaments and accessories made from them now command a lower price on the global market than those made of elephant tusks, likely because it remains legal to import the teeth into many countries. Hippo teeth are also easier to smuggle than elephant tusks.

The researchers examined records dating back from 1975 from CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. They found that almost all the global trade in hippo teeth goes through Hong Kong- a top transit hub for endangered species -with 75% of those imports originating from just two countries: Uganda and Tanzania.

But the volume of imports declared by Hong Kong was substantially different than the exports reported by those two countries, the study found, suggesting that the trade exceeded internationally agreed upon quotas. The authors found 14,000kg (approximately 30,860lb) of hippo teeth unaccounted for-equivalent to 2,700 hippos, or 2% of the world's hippo population.

"This gross discordance in trade data undermines regulatory measures and challenges the persistence of hippo populations in Africa," authors Alexandra Andersson and Luke Gibson write.

Uganda banned trade in hippo teeth in 2014.

The discrepancies in hippo teeth trade volumes, and of other endangered species, could lead to the "unmanageable exploitation levels" of those animals and ultimately, speed up their extinction, the study's authors argue.

"As a hub of legal commerce in rare animals and parts, authorities in Hong Kong must have a precise knowledge and control of endangered species being imported, sold or exported in its territory," Andersson said in a statement. "The fate of hippos-and a plethora of other species-could depend on it."

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Hippos are facing a new threat to their existence-an insatiable demand for their teeth

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When it comes to the global wildlife trade, conservationists have a long list of things to be worried about. They might need to add hippos to the top of that list.

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Ex situ breeding of pygmy hippos in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries brings hope to potentially restoring wild population numbers

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Chile's Buin Zoo is celebrating the recent birth of a rare pygmy hippopotamus, as part of its breeding program for the endangered species.

The proud zoo's baby girl Bernardina came in at 7.2 kilograms and was born in late 2019.

She marks the fourth birth of a pygmy hippo at this Chile zoo in some eight years.

"We are facing a species that is extremely decimated in the wild," Buin Zoo Manager, Ignacio Idalsoaga said.

"This speaks of hope for the species. If it weren't for zoos, which are carrying out a worldwide program of care for this species, we think that in 20 years they would no longer be seen in the wild."

According to zookeepers, Bernardina is in good health and is under the watchful gaze of her mother Coco.

An adult pygmy hippopotamus, smaller cousins of the hippopotamus, typically reaches around 70-80 centimetres tall and weighs around 250 kilograms, about a quarter of the size of a full-sized hippo, the Pygmy Hippo Foundation has said.

News

Pygmy hippos are native to West Africa, with most thought to be in Liberia and a smaller number in Sierra Leone, Guinea and the Ivory Coast, according to the Pygmy Hippo Foundation.

There are only around 2,500 Pygmy Hippopotamus left in the world, with a dwindling natural habitat and hunting their greatest threats to survival.

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Baby Pygmy Hippo Gives Hope For Endangered Population

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Chile's Buin Zoo is celebrating the recent birth of a rare pygmy hippopotamus, as part of its breeding program for the endangered species. The proud zoo's baby girl Bernardina came in at 7.2 kilograms and was born in late 2019. She marks the fourth birth of a pygmy hippo at this Chile zoo in some eight years.

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The IUCN identified 8 major current threats to the pygmy hippos, which are:
·        Habitat loss and fragmentation

·        Poaching

·        Human-wildlife conflict

·        Inadequate protected area network

·        Climate change

·        Civil conflict

·        Policy and institutional weakness

·        Gaps in conservation methods

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IUCN paper on ecology and conservation methods

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IUCN paper on ecology and conservation methods

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The IUCN recommends a series of conservation steps to achieve sustainable populations. These steps are:
·        Objective 1. Known populations are effectively protected

·        Objective 2.  Status in each range state assessed

·        Objective 3. Key corridors identified and managed

·        Objective 4.  Poaching pressure on pygmy hippos reduced

·        Objective 5. Causes of habitat loss mitigated

·        Objective 6. The regional Protected Area Network is fully effective to meet the needs of pygmy  hippo conservation

·        Objective 7. Pygmy hippos are recognized as a flagship species for the Upper Guinea Forest ecosystem and an indicator of its health

·        Objective 8. Mechanisms for regional cooperation on all aspects of pygmy hippo conservation established

·        Objective 9. National pygmy hippo action plans produced and endorsed in all range states

·        Objective 10. The ex-situ population within coordinated breeding programs is managed to maximize genetic diversity

·        Objective 11. The conservation strategy is coordinated and resourced

For more information on details and implementation strategies, check out the paper below.

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Another paper for more information!

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Abstract

An endangered species, the pygmy hippo ( Choeropsis liberiensis Morton, 1849) has been housed in captivity since the early 1900s, but systematic, prospective research and peer-reviewed literature remain limited in comparison to other IUCN-listed, charismatic mega fauna. There are just over 350 animals in the ex situ population worldwide, so it is an uncommon resident in zoological collections compared to the larger, 'common' or Nile hippo ( Hippopotamus amphibius). Most published information for the pygmy hippo constitutes descriptive accounts of first-hand experiences in various zoological institutions. Here we review, analyze and provide a synthesis of the pertinent literature, aiming to identify and prioritize focal research topics for optimizing ex situ management. The pygmy hippo is continually reported to breed well and thus long-term survival of the species, at least in captivity, is assumed, although we identify several reasons to exercise caution. Further, we demonstrate that the common perception amongst zoological institutions that the pygmy hippo is easy to manage and experiences limited health and husbandry issues is erroneous. Specific issues affecting the captive population with potential negative implications for long-term sustainability include polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a female-biased sex ratio, obesity, a high neonatal mortality rate, and failure of many breeding pairs to reproduce. We identify several research priorities to help address these concerns, and how the resulting information can be applied to improve management, health and welfare of pygmy hippos in captivity.

View full text

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The Pygmy Hippopotamus Choeropsis liberiensis (Morton, 1849): Bringing to Light Research Priorities for the Largely Forgotten, Smaller Hippo Species

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An endangered species, the pygmy hippo ( Choeropsis liberiensis Morton, 1849) has been housed in captivity since the early 1900s, but systematic, prospective research and peer-reviewed literature remain limited in comparison to other IUCN-listed, charismatic mega fauna.

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Pygmy hippos are an perplexing case intersected by conservation needs, public awareness, and wildlife trade. While less targeted than their larger cousins, this species is in dire need of protection initiatives that rally many kinds of people together in order to save their species. Public awareness is ok, but is could be better, with more focus on issues they are directly facing. Additionally, wildlife trade for their ivory tusks must cease to help numbers bounce back. It may not be easy, but this rare species has many conservationists, whether by profession or not, rooting for its persistence.