Liberian Hippopotamus 543 



Liberian Hippopotamus [Hippopotamus liberiensis) 

 Called by Liberians, Sea Cow or Water Cow ; Mali of Vey 



This rare and interesting animal is a dwarf form which is only found 

 in West Africa. 



A full-grown male measures 1.4 metres in length of body : only 80 

 centimetres high ; female a little smaller. Without regard to its small 

 size and several other characteristics, it differs from the hippopotamus by 

 having a smaller number of incisors in the lower jaw — two instead of four. 



It is an extraordinarily robust animal. The upper surface is a shiny 

 greenish blue-black, which changes on the under surface from gray-green 

 to yellowish green. In its habits of living it more resembles a pig than 

 its namesake ; it does not, however, like the latter, live in troops, but roams 

 about the forest in pairs. Each pair occupies a wide area ; therefore, though 

 everywhere well known, it is nowhere abundant. Forest and marsh form 

 its habitat. The pigmy hippo seldom goes into water except for a bath, or 

 to cross a river, but wanders through the bush like a wild pig. They feed 

 in the forests at night on young shoots, grass, and fruits, and sleep the best 

 part of the day, so heavily that you can crawl up to them and kill them. 

 It is easily recognised by the spoor, which is broad and deep, like an 

 elephant's ; in marshes also they can readily be identified, as the body 

 leaves a track upon the mud. The flesh, especially that of the young 

 animal, is succulent, and reminds one of wild pig. 



Jentink says this hippopotamus is not found in rivers ; marshes or forest 

 are its favourite haunt ; its general habits resemble those of wild swine. It 

 has a scattered distribution where found, and is not local in its habits, and 

 this renders the chase difficult and uncertain. 



It has wandering habits and covers a large extent of ground, using 

 different paths. Feeds on wild fruits and herbs. Found in high and low 



