コビトカバ (Hexaprotodon liberiensis) は、シエラレオネ、リベリア、ギニア、コートジボワールの熱帯雨林や沼地に生息する中型の哺乳類である。灰褐色の肌、小さな耳、4 本のつま先のあるガッシリした脚が特徴で、普段は、川辺で目撃されることが多く、長い時間転げまわったり眠ったりして過ごす。平均体高 75～100 cm、体長 150～175 cm、体重 180～275 kg である。
Latin Name
Hexaprotodon liberiensis
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false
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pygmy-hippopotamus
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Animal Facts
The pygmy hippopotamus is approximately 20% of the size of the common hippopotamus it also has less webbing between its toes to allow it to trek through rainforests.
Common hippopotami have their eyes on the top of their head, whereas pygmy hippopotami have their eyes on the side of their head.
The pygmy hippopotamus has muscular adaptations which allow it to close their nostrils and ears when submerging.
As with its larger relative, the pygmy hippopotamus secretes a red protective liquid from its skin, due to its colour it is sometimes referred to as blood sweat.
The pygmy hippopotamus is able to sleep underwater due to a special behavioural adaptation that causes it to automatically return to the surface when they need to breathe.
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