Mammals nocturnal

Pygmy Hippopotamus

Choeropsis liberiensis

The Pygmy Hippo is a rare, reclusive gem of the West African rainforest. Smaller and more solitary than its famous cousin, this 'forest ghost' moves silently through the shadows of the swamp.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 150–175 cm (4.9–5.7 ft); Height: 75–100 cm (2.5–3.3 ft); Weight: 180–275 kg (400–600 lbs)

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Colors

Slate gray to greenish-black skin with a smooth, glossy texture; underbelly is a lighter creamy gray or pale pink.

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Key Features

Compact, barrel-shaped body with relatively long legs
Eyes and nostrils on the side of the head rather than the top
Rounded ears and a small, flat tail
Glossy, hairless skin that secretes a clear 'blood sweat' for moisture

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern nocturnal

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Peak hours 8 PM - 4 AM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Herbivorous; they forage for ferns, broad-leaved plants, fallen fruits, and occasionally grasses along the forest floor.

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Habitat Tropical rainforests and swamps, typically near small streams or wallows in West Africa.

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Behavior

Unlike their larger, highly social cousins, Pygmy Hippopotamuses are solitary and reclusive creatures of the deep forest. They are primarily nocturnal, spending the daylight hours tucked away in riverbanks, burrows, or dense vegetation. They are much less aquatic than the Common Hippo, though they still rely on water to keep their skin moist and body temperature regulated. When they move through the forest, they follow well-beaten paths and 'tunnels' through the undergrowth, which they mark by vigorously wagging their tails while defecating to spread scent.

These animals are rarely seen by humans due to their shy nature and preference for thick cover. They are not known to be aggressive unless cornered or protecting a calf. While they lead mostly independent lives, their home ranges occasionally overlap, and they may tolerate the presence of another hippo in passing. Most of their active hours are spent foraging near water sources or deep within the humid forest floor.

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Camera Tips

To capture a Pygmy Hippo on camera, placement is everything. These animals are creatures of habit and will use the same 'game trails' or tunnels through dense vegetation for years. Look for paths that appear cleared of low-lying leaves at about knee height near muddy riverbanks. Position your camera low—about 18 to 24 inches off the ground—and angle it slightly upward to capture their full profile as they pass through these narrow corridors.

Since they are almost exclusively active after dark, high-quality infrared (IR) or 'no-glow' flash is essential. Standard white flashes will likely spook this incredibly timid species, causing them to abandon the trail. Ensure your camera has a fast trigger speed (0.5 seconds or less) because, despite their stocky appearance, they move surprisingly quickly through the brush when they are on a mission to find food.

If you have a muddy wallow or a slow-moving stream on your property within their range, this is a prime spot. They often revisit the same 'cool down' spots to hydrate their skin. You can sometimes encourage a visit by ensuring native fruit-bearing trees are protected, as the scent of fallen fruit is a natural draw. Avoid using artificial baits, as these can disrupt their sensitive digestive systems and natural foraging patterns.

Check your camera's weather sealing frequently. The humid, swampy environments favored by Pygmy Hippos are notoriously hard on electronics. Using a desiccant pack inside the camera housing and ensuring the lens is treated with an anti-fog coating will prevent your midnight captures from looking like a blurry gray smudge. For the best results, set your camera to take 'burst' photos or short 10-second videos to observe their unique, cautious gait.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Pygmy Hippopotamus.

Common Hippopotamus

Much larger (up to 3,000kg), social, and aquatic; eyes are on top of the head for swimming in deep water.

Water Chevrotain

Much smaller deer-like mammal with white spots/stripes; often found in the same habitat but lacks the barrel-shaped hippo build.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pygmy Hippopotamuses are strictly nocturnal and crepuscular. They are most active during the deep night, typically between 8 PM and 4 AM, when they emerge from their hiding spots to forage for food under the cover of darkness.

If you live within their specific West African range, the best way to attract them is by preserving natural forest corridors and water sources. Protecting native fruit trees and maintaining dense, undisturbed undergrowth provides the cover and food they need to feel safe.

They are generalist herbivores. Their diet consists of various forest plants, including ferns, semi-aquatic plants, and broad-leaved herbs. They are particularly fond of fallen fruits that drop from the rainforest canopy.

No, Pygmy Hippos are very rare and are currently listed as Endangered. They avoid human contact and suburban development, preferring primary or secondary rainforests and remote swampy regions far from heavy human activity.

Pygmy Hippos are significantly smaller—about 1/10th the weight of a Common Hippo. They have longer legs relative to their body, a more rounded head, and eyes on the side of their face. While Common Hippos live in large social pods in open water, Pygmy Hippos are solitary forest dwellers.

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