Pygmy Hippopotamusコビトカバ
Choeropsis liberiensisEN— Endangered
The pygmy hippopotamus is a reclusive, nocturnal relative of the common hippo, found only in the forests and swamps of West Africa, primarily Liberia. Far more terrestrial and solitary than its larger cousin, it emerges from water at dusk to forage for several hours before returning to cover. With fewer than 2,500 mature individuals estimated in the wild, the IUCN lists it as Endangered, and international captive breeding programs now play a significant role in the species' conservation.
Pygmy Hippopotamus (reference photo)
Species Data
- Classification
- Artiodactyla / Hippopotamidae Source
- Size
- Body length 150–175 cm, shoulder height 75–100 cm
- Weight
- 180–275 kg
- Lifespan
- Wild: 15–20 years / captive: up to 42–55 years
- Diet
- Herbivore Herbivorous, eating grasses, rhizomes, leaves including fallen leaves, and fruit
- Activity
- Nocturnal; spends about 6 hours feeding after sunset
- Distribution
- Found in the forests and swamps of West Africa, primarily Liberia, with populations in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ivory Coast; it has been extirpated from Nigeria. Source
- Sources
- ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
Did You Know?
- It is one of only two living species in the family Hippopotamidae, alongside the much larger common hippopotamus. Source
- Genetically, hippos and whales are thought to share a common semi-aquatic ancestor that lived roughly 60 million years ago. Source
- In September 2024, a pygmy hippo calf named Moo Deng at a Thai zoo became a viral internet sensation, significantly boosting the zoo's attendance. Source
Where to See This Species
Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 6
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical GardensAichiOpened in 1937
Ishikawa DoubutsuenIshikawaAbout 60 minutes from the Kanazawa-Morimoto Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway, about 40 minutes from the Kanazawa-Nishi Interchange, and about 20 minutes from the Komatsu Interchange.
KOBE ANIMAL KINGDOMHyogoRight by Keisan Kagaku Center Station (Kobe Animal Kingdom / Fugaku-mae) on the Port Liner.
Hiroshima City Asa Zoological ParkHiroshimaFrom JR Hiroshima Station, take the Sanyo Main Line or Kabe Line to Shin-Hakushima Station, transfer to the Astram Line to Kamiyasu Station, then take a bus to "Asa Dobutsu Koen" (about 45 minutes in total).
- 【東山動植物園公式】コビトカバの赤ちゃん見守りモニター《 コビトカバ 》
- 【東山動植物園公式】2026.8.11コビトカバのコユリに赤ちゃんが生れました《 コビトカバ 》
- 【東山動植物園公式】コビトカバのミライとコユリ～2026東山動植物園ナイトZOO（ナイトズー）～《 コビトカバ カバ 》 #short
- 神戸どうぶつ王国【コビトカバ】篇 15秒編
- 神戸どうぶつ王国【コビトカバ】篇 CM
Source links to official sites, official YouTube channels, and news aggregators such as Zoo Ring. Visit the publisher for the full item.
Conservation Story
Conservation Status
Endangered (EN)
Sources
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FAQ
- How is the pygmy hippo different from the common hippo?
- The pygmy hippo is much smaller, more solitary, more terrestrial, and strictly nocturnal, spending less time in water than its larger, highly social relative. Source
- Is the pygmy hippo endangered?
- Yes. The IUCN classifies it as Endangered, with fewer than 2,500 mature individuals estimated to remain in the wild as of 2015. Source
- Where do pygmy hippos live in the wild?
- They live in forests and swamps of West Africa, mainly in Liberia, with smaller populations in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ivory Coast. Source
- How many operating facilities are registered here?
- Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 6 Source
Books & gear
Source: www.tokyo-zoo.net www.higashiyama.city.nagoya.jp www.ishikawazoo.jp www.kobe-oukoku.com www.nifrel.jp www.iucnredlist.org