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Hunted for Food

The eyes of pygmy hippos are more on the side, rather than the front as they are with common hippos.
The eyes of pygmy hippos are more on the side, rather than the front as they are with common hippos. Photo: David Tanecek (AP)

Several factors have contributed to the decline of pygmy hippos, such as the loss of habitat to deforestation and coal mining. But some people have continued to directly endanger these semi-aquatic animals by illegally hunting them. The animal is reportedly considered a prized commodity within the local bushmeat industry, and pygmy meat is said to taste better than meat from the common hippo.