Is the pygmy hippopotamus a herbivore?

Answer 1

The pygmy hippopotamus is a large mammal native to the forests and swamps of western Africa. The pygmy hippo is reclusive and nocturnal. It is one of only two extant species in the Hippopotamidae family, the other being its much larger cousin the common hippopotamus.

Pygmy hippos share the same general form as a hippopotamus. They have a graviportal skeleton, with four short legs and four toes on each foot, supporting a portly frame. The pygmy hippo, however, is only half as tall as the hippopotamus and weighs less than 1/4 as much as its larger cousin. Their lifespan in captivity ranges from 30 to 55 years, though it is unlikely that they live this long in the wild.

The pygmy hippopotamus is primarily terrestrial, but like its larger cousin, it is semi-aquatic and relies on proximity to water to keep its skin moisturized and its body temperature cool. The pygmy hippo is herbivorous, feeding on whatever ferns, broad-leaved plants, grasses and fruits it finds in the forests.

However, what differentiates the behavior of the pygmy hippo from the common hippo is in much of its behavior. The pygmy hippopotamus is more similar to that of a tapir. While the common hippopotamus is gregarious, pygmy hippos live either alone or in small groups, typically a mated pair or a mother and calf. Pygmy hippos tend to ignore each other rather than fight when they meet.

Answer 2

YES, the pygmy hippo is a herbivore