Hippopotamus madagascariensis (SciiFii)

The Malagasy pygmy hippopotamus (either Hippopotamus madagascariensis or Choeropsis/Hexaprotodon madagascariensis) is a species of hippopotamus native to the island of Madagascar that originally lived during the Early Holocene and was once extinct, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and reintroduced to the species' former range to help boost biodiversity. Unlike the Malagasy dwarf hippopotamus (Hippopotamus lemerlei), the Malagasy pygmy hippopotamus has eyes on the side of its head rather than high orbits and teeth of the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius). The Malagasy pygmy hippo is similarly less aquatic, being more similar to the mainland pygmy hippopotamus (either Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis), preferring to live in the forested highlands of Madagascar. Due to its slightly longer limbs, the Malagasy pygmy hippopotamus is a more specialized runner than the common hippopotamus. The Malagasy pygmy hippopotamus is a dominant grazer in Madagascar. Malagasy hippos in general, however, are less grass-specialised than the mainland African hippopotamus. The behavior of the pygmy hippo differs from the common hippo in many ways. Much of its behavior is more similar to that of a tapir than a common hippopotamus, though this is an effect of convergent evolution. While the common hippopotamus is gregarious, Malagasy pygmy hippos live either alone or in small groups, typically a mated pair or a mother and calf. Malagasy pygmy hippos tend to ignore each other rather than fight when they meet. The conservation status of the Malagasy pygmy hippopotamus is Vulnerable due to some habitat loss and historic poaching, however, thanks to the conservationists, the Malagasy pygmy hippopotamus is a protected species.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii