Environmental (Commonwealth Union)_ In recent weeks, crowds have flocked to Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand, hoping to catch a glimpse of the world’s latest viral sensation: Moo Deng, a two-month-old pygmy hippopotamus. This tiny mammal, with her endearing looks and playful demeanor, has become a social media star, even inspiring beauty tutorials mimicking her rosy cheeks. On one weekend alone, around 20,000 visitors arrived to see the adorable creature in person.
Yet while Moo Deng charms visitors from around the globe, her fame also casts a spotlight on a critical issue. Pygmy hippos, scientifically known as Choeropsis liberiensis, are native to West Africa, where their population is rapidly declining. Despite the attention Moo Deng receives, her species is fighting a quiet battle for survival, largely unnoticed in its shrinking natural habitat.
A Vulnerable Species
Pygmy hippos are a rare and endangered species, as classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In their last global assessment in 2015, fewer than 2,500 mature individuals were estimated to be living in the wild. The species is already thought to be extinct in Nigeria, a country where they once thrived. Small populations remain in Liberia, Ivory Coast, Guinea, and Sierra Leone, though their survival is far from assured.
Unlike the more famous common hippopotamus, pygmy hippos are shy, nocturnal, and solitary animals. They are known for their elusive nature, living in dense forests and wetlands where they can remain hidden. They are mostly active at night, feeding on leaves, grasses, and fruits. This secretive behavior, while beneficial for avoiding predators, makes them difficult to study in the wild. Most of what scientists know about pygmy hippos comes from camera traps, tracking their footprints, and monitoring their droppings. Breeding programs in captivity have also provided valuable insights into their biology and behavior.
Pygmy hippos have long held a special place in West African culture and folklore. In Liberia, local legends speak of the hippos using diamonds to light their way through the dark forests at night. In Ivory Coast, it’s said that anyone who sees a pygmy hippo’s tail and laughs will go mad. Despite these cultural connections, pygmy hippos remain enigmatic creatures, often overshadowed by their larger cousins.
Habitat Loss and Threats
The greatest threat to pygmy hippos is habitat destruction. Over the past several decades, large swathes of forest in West Africa have been cleared for commercial plantations of palm oil, cocoa, and rubber. Illegal logging, often driven by poverty and lack of resources, has also devastated the forests that pygmy hippos depend on. In Liberia, deforestation has been rampant, making it difficult for the government to maintain control over illegal activities. In Ivory Coast’s Taï National Park, people have begun panning for gold in rivers and streams, further disrupting the delicate ecosystems these animals rely on.
Gabriella Flacke, a veterinary advisor for the pygmy hippo species survival plan, notes that the species’ limited range makes them especially vulnerable to habitat loss. “Their home ranges are getting smaller and smaller, and there’s just less space for them to have natural behaviors and reproduce,” Flacke explains. In addition to habitat loss, pygmy hippos are also hunted for their meat, further compounding their decline in the wild.
Despite these challenges, there are ongoing efforts to protect the species. In all four West African countries where pygmy hippos are found, they are legally protected, though the level of enforcement varies. Ivory Coast is seen as the most stable country in the region, with better resources and infrastructure to support conservation efforts. In Liberia, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) has worked with the government to develop a national strategy for the conservation of pygmy hippos, identifying key habitats and establishing conservation corridors to connect fragmented populations.
Conservation Challenges and Community Involvement
Conservation of pygmy hippos is a challenging task, largely because the regions where they live are often impoverished, politically unstable, and lacking in resources. In Liberia, efforts to protect the species include a project under the UN-backed forest conservation scheme REDD+, which aims to reduce deforestation while supporting the livelihoods of local people. This initiative also seeks to respect land rights, ensuring that conservation efforts don’t come at the expense of the local communities.
Flacke emphasizes the importance of involving local communities in conservation efforts. “There is a lot of interest locally,” she says. “They know that the pygmy hippo is an iconic species… but without infrastructure and resources, even the most enthusiastic efforts can struggle.” In response, Zoo Basel has sponsored a pilot project that trains young, unemployed people living near the Gola Forests in Sierra Leone and Liberia to become ambassadors for the species. Meanwhile, the Pygmy Hippo Foundation is working to train community forest guards in Liberia’s Sapo National Park, equipping them with the skills to monitor and protect hippo populations.
While conservationists have made progress, much remains unknown about how pygmy hippos live in the wild. For instance, scientists hope to learn more about the size of their natural home range and whether their behavior in the wild mirrors what has been observed in captivity. Some researchers speculate that, like common hippos, pygmy hippos may play a vital role in their ecosystems by dispersing seeds and recycling nutrients through their dung.
The Future of the Pygmy Hippo
Moo Deng, the tiny hippo captivating hearts around the world, is a shining example of how animals in captivity can help raise awareness about endangered species. However, Flacke points out that while zoos play a role in conservation, preserving the pygmy hippos’ natural habitat is the best way to ensure their survival. “There’s nowhere else they can go,” she says. “Their home is disappearing.”
An updated IUCN assessment for pygmy hippos is expected next year, and conservationists fear the numbers will show an even greater decline. “They’re still out there,” Flacke says. “But there are definitely populations where they haven’t been seen in 20 years… Where are they going? Well, they’re going away.”
While Moo Deng enjoys her time in the spotlight, pygmy hippos in the wild continue to face immense challenges. It’s a reminder that, for all the cuteness and charm these creatures possess, their survival depends on urgent, sustained conservation efforts across the globe.
