Biota of Liberia - Fauna of Liberia, Flora of Liberia, Pygmy Hippopotamus, Tamarind, Imperata Cylindrica, Red River Hog, Annona Glabra (Paperback)

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Pages: 102. Not illustrated. Chapters: Fauna of Liberia, Flora of Liberia, Pygmy Hippopotamus, Tamarind, Imperata Cylindrica, Red River Hog, Annona Glabra, Xenomystus Nigri, Bitis Gabonica Rhinoceros, Utricularia Pubescens, Paramphilius, Liberian Mongoose, Utricularia Simulans, Utricularia Striatula, Doumea, Utricularia Tortilis, Utricularia Firmula, Utricularia Spiralis, Ampelocissus Gracilipes, Utricularia Andongensis, Eragrostis Amabilis, Monopetalanthus Compactus, Utricularia Stanfieldii, Archachatina Knorri, Loesenera Kalantha, Monopterus Boueti, Tetraberlinia Tubmaniana, Bellamya Liberiana, Wildlife of Liberia. Excerpt: C. l. liberiensisC. l. heslopi The pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis) is a large mammal native to the forests and swamps of western Africa (the scientific species classification means "of Liberia," as this is where the vast majority live). The pygmy hippo is reclusive and nocturnal. It is one of only two extant species in the Hippopotamidae family, the other being its much larger cousin the common hippopotamus. The pygmy hippopotamus displays many terrestrial adaptations, but like its larger cousin, it is semi-aquatic and relies on proximity to water to keep its skin moisturized and its body temperature cool. Behaviors such as mating and giving birth may occur in water or on land. The pygmy hippo is herbivorous, feeding on whatever ferns, broad-leaved plants, grasses and fruits it finds in the forests. A rare nocturnal forest creature, the pygmy hippopotamus is a difficult animal to study in the wild. Pygmy hippos were unknown outside of West Africa until the 19th century. Introduced to zoos in the early 20th century, they breed well in captivity and the vast majority of research is derived from zoo specimens. The survival of the species in captivity is more assured than in the ...