Pygmy Hippopotamus

In the world of Eisen-Erde, the species of the Pygmy Hippopotamus, also known as the "House Hippo", is a common house-pet.
An owner of this animal should know to bath the animal in water once a day to keep its skin healthy and clean, since they love to play in the mud. When adopting a House Hippo, the best time is when they are young so that it's easier to bond with them and for them to get used to your touched, as well as training. It is best to walk your House Hippo a minimum of once per day to make sure it gets it needed exercise and sun. When feeding, the House Hippo should eat a steady diet of clean fern leaves, washed root vegetables and and fruit, as well as a couple berry treats. The House Hippo needs to sleep half submerged in water at night, so it is best to have a tub filled with water at a cool temperature, make sure to replace the water nightly. They need plenty of physical affection, such as petting, gentle scratches, hugs and cuddling as well as plenty of outdoor play time.

Basic Information

Anatomy

They have a graviportal skeleton, with four stubby legs and four toes on each foot, supporting a portly frame. Adult pygmy hippos stand about 75–100 cm (2.46–3.28 ft) high at the shoulder, are 150–175 cm (4.92–5.74 ft) in length and weigh 180–275 kg (397–606 lb).[21] Their lifespan in captivity ranges from 30 to 55 years, though it is unlikely that they live this long in the wild. The skin is greenish-black or brown, shading to a creamy gray on the lower body. Their skin has a thin epidermis over a dermis that is several centimeters thick. Pygmy hippos have the same unusual secretion as common hippos, that gives a pinkish tinge to their bodies, called "Red Sweat'. This substance, hipposudoric acid, is believed to have antiseptic and sunscreening properties. The skin of hippos dries out quickly and cracks, which is why the species need to spend so much time in water.

Genetics and Reproduction

The House Hippo reaches sexual maturity at the age of two, and can give birth from the ages of two to forty years.

Growth Rate & Stages

The House Hippo reaches adulthood at five years of age and live up to be fifty years old.

Ecology and Habitats

Native habitat's of wild House Hippos are tropical forests and savannas, however they have evolved to survive almost anywhere in the world that has large bodies of fresh water. In colder regions with more snow and ice, they are less common but they can survive in captivity with the aid of their owner. a common trend to keep the warm are having them wear silk scarves and sweaters, the latter usually for the babies. In more urban enviroments, they make nests in small spaces using scraps of cloth, bits of string and even dryer lint.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Pygmy hippos are herbivorous. They do not eat aquatic vegetation to a significant extent and rarely eat grass because it is uncommon in the thick forests they inhabit. The bulk of a pygmy hippo's diet consists of ferns, broad-leaved plants and fruits that have fallen to the forest floor. The wide variety of plants pygmy hippos have been observed eating suggests that they will eat any plants available. In urban environments, the House Hippo's favourite foods are stale chips, dried fruit such as raisins, bread crumbs and peanut butter.

Behaviour

The House Hippo are more often than not a timid species, but been known to become more aggressive and territorial when defending their nests, and when they are provoked or feeling threatened.

Additional Information

Domestication

The Pygmy Hippopotamus was domesticated a thousand years ago by the tribes of the southern, tropical continent of Toth.

Average Intelligence

They are smarter than the average animal, often showing the intelligence of that of a human toddler at adult hood.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Leeches often grab onto the bellies of House Hippos to feed on their blood. the bites often lead to infection and even worms.

Scientific Name

Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis

Lifespan

50 - 55 years

Average Height

Adult pygmy hippopotamus stand about 75–100 cm (2.46–3.28 ft) high at the shoulder.

Average Weight

Adult pygmy hippopotamus weigh about 180–275 kg (397–606 lb).

Average Length

Adult pygmy hippopotamus are 150–175 cm (4.92–5.74 ft) in length

Average Physique

Adult pygmy hippopotamus have a wide, portly frame.

Geographic Distribution

• Fraust
• Nor
• Toth