Hippopotimae
There are just 2 species in this genus, the common hippopotamus and the pygmy hippopotamus. They are the closest living land relative to whales and dolphins.
They are quite different size. They pygmy hippo is half the hight of the giant hippo, and less than a quarter of the weight. Pygmy hippos spend more time out of the water, but as their home is deep in the Congo rainforest, there is little risk of sunburn, while hippos are so prone that they create their own secretions, which works like sub cream.
The Pygmy Hippopotamus is found in western Africa, mainly in Liberia, but also in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire. A area essential for their long term survival for the Pygmy Hippo’s protection is Sapo National Park in eastern Liberia. Swamps, wallows or rivers and sometimes in hollows under the banks of streams. There are only 2000-2500,
While, the common hippo is found in the rest of the Africa, and the population is thought to be around 125000-148000. This is a dramatic reduction, and given the area of savannah habitats, there is definitely space for more. Common hippos are relatively easy to find in the wild, and while they are one of the most dangerous animals and cause the most injuries, should they be in the water, you can approach relatively close without worrying about your safety
