(. In November 2003, there are 178 pygmy hippopotamuses in 74 collections around the world. (source), Writers Alexandra Anderson and Luke Gibson wrote, “This overall divergence of trade information undermines regulatory measures and challenges the persistence of Africa’s hippo population”. Contributed by Nikela Volunteer Katharine Colton, © 2021 All Rights Reserved. “The fate of hippos and the abundance of other species can depend on it.”. Just like whales, pygmy hippos have specially designed lungs that can fill quicker than those of other mammals. Their feet are less webbed than their cousins’, because they spend more time on land than in water. In the article "Endangered Species: They Pygmy hippopotamus" by By Gale, Cengage Learning, adapted by Newsela staff, it talks about of the pygmy hippos is going to go on the endangered species list. Although they are distant cousins, there are many differences between the pygmy hippo and the common hippo, so biologists gave both species very different names: Choeropsis liberiensis for pygmy hippos and Hippopotamus amphibius for common hippos. Nikela is for preserving all wild things and their wild places. The pygmy hippopotamus is rated ‘ Endangered ‘ by the IUCN. IUCN reports that after the ban on international trade of ivory ivory in 1989, the demand for hippo teeth intensified. Pygmy hippos are especially sensitive about habitat loss. Why Are Pygmy's Endangered? The biggest threat to the pygmy hippopotamus' continued survival is loss of habitat due to logging and deforestation to clear the way for agricultural development and human settlements. In August 2011, A new population of Pygmy Hippos was discovered around Loma Mountain. Your email address will not be published. Common hippos live in both savanna and forest areas in sub-Saharan Africa. An adult pygmy hippo may weight about 180 to 275 kg (397 to 606 lbs). Most pygmy hippos live in protected areas and all the countries they live in have developed strategies that help protect hippos. The so-called “water horse” looks more like a giant pig than a horse.

This represented more than twice the number of captive-born pygmy hippos since 1970. 7. Many awareness campaigns however address the plight of all African wild animals and birds due to trophy hunting and other pressures. All countries in which the pygmy hippos are present are protected by law and are in Appendix II to the CITES, which means that trade in any part of the animal is restricted. Currently there are only 2,000-3,000 Pygmy hippopotamuses left in the world. The Ancient Greeks named the hippopotamus “water horse” because it may spend up to 16 hours a day resting or moving slowly in lakes and rivers to keep cool. The number of pygmy hippopotamuses left in the wild is estimated to be between 2,000 and 2,500 individuals, and the population is decreasing. Hippo teeth are also easier to smuggle than ivory dubs. Most, if not all, of these animals were born in zoos … Loss of habitat, through deforestation, remains the main menaces. Incredible lungs designed for a life in the water. Both species were long believed to be most closely related to the family Suidae (pigs and hogs) or Tayassuidae (peccaries), but research within the last 10 years has determined that pygmy hippos and hippos are most closely related to cetaceans (whales and dolphins). It has a barrel-shape body, almost hairless, and stubby legs. Pygmy hippos are among the species illegally hunted for food in Liberia . Required fields are marked *. A pygmy hippo looks much like the better-known common hippo, but smaller, with eyes on the side of a more rounded head. These shy animals are also hunted for their meat in logged areas. Hippos are an incredible, ancient creature and they must be protected. Both types of hippo habitat are threatened due to logging and human settlement. Pygmy hippos are threatened by a variety of factors which continue to contribute to dwindling pygmy hippo numbers. Both types of hippos are threatened by habitat loss due to logging and human settlement. In all, Hong Kong has reported the import of 1,717kg more hippo teeth than Tanzania’s exports. It was the zoo's first successful pygmy hippo birth in more than 30 years. (CNN) — Pygmy hippos are an endangered species, but in April, one was born at the San Diego Zoo. Researchers examined records obtained from CITES from 1975, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Animals and Plants. At the current rate, the species may disappear within a century. Over 75% of the imports originated in Tanzania or Uganda, but there is a significant disparity in the amount of trade announced. Although endangered in the wild, Pygmy Hippos breed in large numbers in zoos. More than 90% of Hong Kong’s global hippo tooth business is imported and re-exported. Fortunately, pygmy hippos breed well in zoos; however, more protection is needed for the wild populations so that they will not vanish altogether. In 1993 its population was estimated at only 2-3,000 individuals and since then numbers have declined due to habitat loss and hunting. Pygmy hippos are particularly sensitive to habitat loss. Populations across Africa have declined, with their meat, skin and teeth being uncontrollable victims, shrinking habitats and the increase in hippo-human conflicts. Pygmy hippos have a rounder, shorter snout, with smaller, less protruding nostrils. The common hippo is not endangered, but listed as vulnerable. (CNN) Pygmy hippos are an endangered species, but in April, one was born at the San Diego Zoo. It may also help hippos’ wounds heal faster. Conservationists have a long list to worry about when it comes to the global wildlife trade. This overall divergence of trade data undermines regulatory measures and challenges the persistence of the African hippo population. Hippos are not good prey because of their imposing size. They found that almost all the world trade in hippo passes through Hong Kong – the top transit hub for endangered species – 75% of imports generated from only two countries: Uganda and Tanzania. Pygmy hippos are currently threatened by a number of factors, which negatively affect the small population of this endangered species. The evolution of the pygmy hippopotamus is most often studied in the context of its larger cousin. The animal lovers and conservationists frequently ask, why are hippos endangered? The pygmy hippo is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species. Their biggest threats are loss of forest habitat due to the timber industry and being hunted by man for meat and tusk. In total, more than 14,000kg of hippo toothless between Uganda and Hong Kong, representing 2,700 unique hippos worldwide. Its body is much too dense for that. Pygmy hippos are particularly sensitive to habitat loss. How many species of hippos are there? The pygmy hippopotamus, or pygmy hippo, Choeropsis liberiensis, is an endangered mammal of high conservation concern endemic to the threatened Upper Guinea forest hotspot of West Africa. © 2020 WILD SKY MEDIA. The common hippo has an IUCN status of “Vulnerable” because recent estimates show a 10 to 20 percent decline in population. Despite the fact that they are large animals pygmy hippos they are endangered due to habitat loss and hunting in 1993 there were only 2000-3000 individuals. 2%. Therefore, its transparent why are hippos endangered? Both common and pygmy hippos are herbivores, eating plants, leaves, grasses, and fallen fruit. They may need to add hippos to the top of their list. Hippos seek refuge from the heat by living in water during the day, and at night they come ashore to feed on short, soft grasses and fallen fruit. 2%. They can sell these items to make a profit on the market. Currently Nikela does not have a project that directly protects Hippo. While the common hippo (Hippopotamus amphibious) is categorized as vulnerable, its smaller relative, the pygmy hippo (Choeropsis liberiensis … Pygmy hippos are on the same genetic line as hippos and share the same walking whale ancestor. As the Pygmy Hippopotamus’s are nocturnal they spend their days like most other hippos … Because of this, the species' largest populations are found on protected nature preserves. The endangered pygmy hippo was caught in … In total, more than 14,000kg of hippo toothless between Uganda and Hong Kong, representing 2,700 unique hippos worldwide. More than 90% of Hong Kong’s global hippo tooth business is imported and re-exported. There are many threats to biodiversity today. It is especially ferocious when protecting its territory. Pygmy hippos are found in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and the Ivory Coast Adults grow 70 to 80cm high (27.5 to 31.4in) They are nocturnal and live alone or in pairs

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