Hippopotamus vs. Pygmy Hippopotamus

Attribute	Hippopotamus	Pygmy Hippopotamus
Scientific Name	Hippopotamus amphibius	Choeropsis liberiensis
Size	Large	Smaller
Weight	Up to 3,200 kg	Around 275 kg
Habitat	Sub-Saharan Africa	West Africa
Diet	Herbivorous	Herbivorous

Physical Characteristics

Hippopotamuses, also known as hippos, are large, mostly herbivorous mammals found in sub-Saharan Africa. They are known for their barrel-shaped bodies, short legs, and large mouths. Adult hippos can weigh up to 3,000 kg and stand up to 1.5 meters tall at the shoulder. Their skin is thick and nearly hairless, with a grayish-brown color. In contrast, pygmy hippos are much smaller in size, weighing around 180 to 275 kg and standing at about 75 to 100 cm tall. They have a more slender build and their skin is dark brown or black in color.

Habitat

Hippos are primarily found in rivers, lakes, and swamps in Africa, where they spend most of their time submerged in water to stay cool. They are highly territorial and can be aggressive towards intruders. Pygmy hippos, on the other hand, are native to the forests and swamps of West Africa. They are more elusive than their larger counterparts and are often found in dense vegetation near water sources. Pygmy hippos are also more solitary in nature, preferring to live alone or in small family groups.

Diet

Both hippos and pygmy hippos are herbivores, but their diets differ slightly. Hippos mainly feed on grasses, fruits, and aquatic plants. They are known to consume large amounts of vegetation each day to sustain their massive bodies. Pygmy hippos, on the other hand, have a more varied diet that includes leaves, fruits, and roots. They are also known to forage on land more often than hippos, due to their smaller size and different habitat preferences.

Behavior

Hippos are known for their aggressive behavior, especially when defending their territory or young. They are considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa and are responsible for more human deaths than any other large mammal on the continent. Hippos are also social animals, living in groups of up to 30 individuals. In contrast, pygmy hippos are more shy and secretive. They are less aggressive towards humans and other animals, preferring to avoid confrontation whenever possible. Pygmy hippos are also more nocturnal, being active at night and resting during the day.

Conservation Status

Both hippos and pygmy hippos are facing threats to their populations due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Hippos are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN, with their numbers declining in many parts of Africa. Pygmy hippos are even more endangered, with estimates of only a few thousand individuals left in the wild. Conservation efforts are underway to protect both species and their habitats, including the establishment of protected areas and anti-poaching measures.