Pygmy Hippopotamus

INTRODUCTION on Pygmy Hippo
The pygmy hippopotamus is a large mammal native to the forests and swamps of western Africa. The pygmy hippo is reclusive and nocturnal. It is one of only two extant species in the Hippopotamidae family, the other being its much larger cousin the common hippopotamus.It is semi-aquatic and relies on proximity to water to keep its skin moisturized and its body temperature cool.Introduced to zoos in the early 20th century, they breed well in captivity and the vast majority of research is derived from zoo specimens.There are estimated 3,000fewer pygmy hippos remaining in the wild.The pygmy hippo is a herbivorous.

DESCRIPTION
Pygmy hippos share the same general form as a hippopotamus. They have a graviportal skeleton, with four stubby legs and four toes on each foot, supporting a portly frame. The pygmy hippo, however, is only half as tall as the hippopotamus and weighs less than 1/4 as much as its larger cousin. Adult pygmy hippos stand about 75–83 cm high at the shoulder, are 150–177 cm in length and weigh 180–275 kilograms. Their lifespan in captivity ranges from 30 to 55 years.
The skin is greenish-black or brown, shading to a creamy gray on the lower body. Pygmy hippos have the same unusual sweat,that gives a pinkish tinge to their bodies, and is sometimes described as "blood sweat" though the secretion is neither sweat nor blood.The skin of hippos dries out quickly and cracks, which is why they spend so much time in water.

BEHAVIOUR
The behavior of the pygmy hippo differs from the common hippo in many ways. Pygmy hippos live either alone or in small groups, typically a mated pair or a mother and calf. Pygmy hippos tend to ignore each other rather than fight when they meet.