Pygmy Hippopotamus

Endangered

Estimated remaining: 2,000-3,000

Habitat

Swamps, wetlands, and forests of West Africa including Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ivory Coast, preferring dense vegetation near rivers and streams.

Threats

• Habitat loss from logging and agriculture
• Hunting for bushmeat
• Civil unrest in range countries
• Mining and infrastructure development
• Limited protected habitat

Conservation efforts

Protected in national parks like Sapo and Tai. Captive breeding programs in zoos worldwide. Community conservation initiatives. Research on ecology and behavior. International species survival plan.