Pygmy hippos are a smaller, more elusive species of hippo found primarily in the forests and swamps of West Africa. Unlike their larger relatives, pygmy hippos are solitary and nocturnal, spending much of their time in dense vegetation near water. They have a more compact, streamlined body, with smooth, dark skin and a much smaller size, weighing only about a quarter of the size of a common hippo. Pygmy hippos are semi-aquatic and, though not as well-known as their larger counterparts, they are an endangered species, threatened by habitat loss and poaching. Their rare and peaceful nature makes them a fascinating subject for wildlife enthusiasts.
