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Moo Daeng, a cute and internet sensation pygmy hippo, is considered as an ENDANGERED SPECIES.

The pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis), a rare and elusive species native to the forests and swamps of West Africa, is classified as an endangered species. Unlike their more famous relatives, the common hippopotamus, pygmy hippos are smaller, more solitary, and primarily terrestrial, which makes them vulnerable to habitat destruction and human encroachment. This report examines the characteristics, habitat, threats, and conservation efforts for this endangered species.

Physical Characteristics

Pygmy hippos are much smaller than the common hippopotamus, weighing around 180 to 275 kilograms and standing about 75 to 100 centimeters tall at the shoulder. Their compact size, glossy dark skin, and relatively long legs make them well-adapted to navigating dense tropical forests. Despite their aquatic adaptations, pygmy hippos spend more time on land, emerging from rivers and swamps to forage for vegetation at night.

Habitat and Range

Pygmy hippos are native to the forests, swamps, and rivers of West Africa, primarily in Liberia, with smaller populations in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire. These environments provide shelter, water, and food sources, but are also at increasing risk from human activities such as agriculture, logging, and mining. The hippos depend on the dense undergrowth for cover and the swamps and rivers for hydration and protection from predators.

Photo Credit: Bangkok Post

Threats to Survival

1. Habitat Loss: Deforestation is the leading threat to the pygmy hippo’s survival. Large-scale agricultural expansion, logging, and mining activities have drastically reduced the forests and swamps where these animals live, fragmenting their habitat and leaving them vulnerable to predation and human contact.
2. Hunting and Poaching: Although pygmy hippos are not typically targeted by hunters, they are sometimes killed for bushmeat or inadvertently caught in traps set for other animals. Their proximity to human settlements increases the risk of encounters, which often end fatally for the hippos.
3. Climate Change: Changes in rainfall patterns due to climate change are likely to affect the wetland habitats pygmy hippos rely on. Droughts can reduce the availability of water sources, while increased rainfall can lead to floods that destroy their habitat.

Conservation Efforts

1. Protected Areas: In Liberia, conservationists have established several protected areas, such as Sapo National Park, to safeguard the natural habitats of pygmy hippos. These areas provide sanctuary from human activities, although illegal logging and poaching still pose risks.
2. Community-Based Conservation: Local communities are being engaged in conservation efforts, raising awareness about the importance of protecting pygmy hippos and their ecosystems. Educating local populations on the ecological value of the species helps reduce hunting and human-wildlife conflict.
3. Research and Monitoring: Due to their elusive nature, there is still much to learn about pygmy hippo behavior and population dynamics. Conservationists are conducting research and monitoring programs using camera traps and other non-invasive techniques to track their movements and numbers. This data is essential for developing effective conservation strategies.
4. International Collaboration: The pygmy hippo is listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which restricts the international trade of these animals. International conservation organizations are also collaborating with West African governments to ensure the long-term survival of the species.

The pygmy hippo’s future depends on a comprehensive, multifaceted approach that balances human needs with the protection of endangered species and their habitats. For more information about Moo Daeng please visit Khao Kheow Open Zoo.

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