O hipopótamo-pigmeu (Hexaprotodon liberiensis) é uma espécie de mamífero de médio porte que vive em florestas pluviais e pântanos de Serra Leoa, Libéria, Guiné e Costa do Marfim. Têm pele cinza-amarronzada, orelhas pequenas e patas robustas, terminadas em quatro dedos. Geralmente, podem ser encontrados perto de rios, onde passam a maior parte do tempo, banhando-se na lama e dormindo. Em média, têm entre 75 e 100 cm de altura, 150 e 175 cm de comprimento e pesam entre 180 e 275 kg.
Latin Name
Hexaprotodon liberiensis
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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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