======  PYGMY HIPPOPOTAMUS ==
Class: MAMMALIA

Order: ARTIODACTYLA

Family: HIPPOPOTAMIDAE

Genus: CHOEROPSIS

Species: LIBERIENISIS

{{ :waepygmyhippo1.png?400|}}
**T**he smaller of the two living hippopotanoids, both of which are commonly referred to simply as 'hippos'. This species has a smaller and more specialised range than its larger counterpart, in small areas of Central Africa. It is thought that the Pygmy Hippopotamus diverged from the //Hippopotamus// genus some 7 million years ago.
Two sub-species are recognised - but only one is believed to be of extance. The Western Pygmy Hippopotamus, //C. l. liberiensis//, is found in areas of western Africa, with most being found in the country of Liberia. The Nigerian, or Eastern Pygmy Hippopotamus, //C. l. heslopi//, is found in countries east of the Liberian range - but has not been observed since the early 20th century, and is thought to be extinct.