Pygmy Hippopotamus by Kelly San Antonio

Pygmy Hippopotamus by Kelly San Antonio https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru en-us 2020-04-09 01:18:49 UTC 2023-02-14 02:04:15 UTC hello@padlet.com The Pygmy Hippopotamus musicals12ksa https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/499788018 (Choeropsis liberiensis)]]> 2020-04-09 02:57:39 UTC https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/499788018 Basic species information musicals12ksa https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/499802039 · 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)

]]> 2020-04-09 03:18:30 UTC https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/499802039 Rare video! musicals12ksa https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/501166163 It is hard to get videos or photographs on the pygmy hippopotamus in the wild, so this one below is quite interesting to watch!]]> 2020-04-09 19:18:11 UTC https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/501166163 Range in west Africa musicals12ksa https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/501168595 This map shows the population distribution of the pygmy hippos, separated by subspecies.]]> 2020-04-09 19:20:09 UTC https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/501168595 Lowland riverine forest musicals12ksa https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/501171424 This is a great example of the kind of habitat this species lives in.]]> 2020-04-09 19:22:20 UTC https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/501171424 Threats musicals12ksa https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/501243821 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

]]> 2020-04-09 20:22:41 UTC https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/501243821 Conservation hope musicals12ksa https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/501457521 Ex situ breeding of pygmy hippos in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries brings hope to potentially restoring wild population numbers]]> 2020-04-10 01:46:10 UTC https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/501457521 Current controversy musicals12ksa https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/501546465 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".]]> 2020-04-10 05:17:58 UTC https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/501546465 Fun Fact! musicals12ksa https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/501546553 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. ]]> 2020-04-10 05:18:13 UTC https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/501546553 Perception by the media and locals musicals12ksa https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/501546627 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!]]> 2020-04-10 05:18:26 UTC https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/501546627 IUCN paper on ecology and conservation methods musicals12ksa https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/502478392 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.

]]> 2020-04-10 20:31:36 UTC https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/502478392 Paper on pygmy hippo behavior musicals12ksa https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/502481629 Some information on how the species behaves, along with behavioral differences between males and females.]]> 2020-04-10 20:36:22 UTC https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/502481629 Additional information for conservation initiatives musicals12ksa https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/502485477 Another paper for more information!]]> 2020-04-10 20:41:34 UTC https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/502485477 Concluding thoughts musicals12ksa https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/502515171 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. ]]> 2020-04-10 21:27:30 UTC https://padlet.com/musicals12ksa/29ebrldt0nf6leru/wish/502515171