Pygmy Hippo Day is an international ecological
celebration observed on April 8th. This day is dedicated to the pygmy hippo, a
rare and little-studied species that is endangered. The goal of this day is to
raise awareness about the need to protect these animals and their natural
habitat.
What is the pygmy hippo?
The pygmy hippo (*Choeropsis liberiensis*) is a
smaller relative of the common hippopotamus. It lives in the tropical forests
of West Africa, primarily in Liberia, but also in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and
Côte d'Ivoire. Unlike its larger relatives, the pygmy hippo leads a more
secretive life and prefers solitude.
Significance of the day
This day aims to raise awareness about the pygmy
hippo, its uniqueness, and the threats it faces. The main issues affecting the
decline of its population are:
- Loss of its natural habitat due to deforestation.
- Poaching and illegal hunting.
- The limited number of individuals in the wild.
