So far, experts know very little about this threatened species living in the wild

Dec 20, 2011 13:52 GMT  ·  By

Experts are one step closer to the enigmatic, endangered wild pygmy hippopotamus, due to a film shot in Sapo National Park.

Biologists have put all their hopes in this first footage of the nocturnal “secretive” pygmy hippo, hoping it will help them understand better the behavior, distribution and evolution of this species, Mongabay informs.

Scientists say such materials are very helpful, especially when they provide information that can be used to draw up effective conservation campaigns to restore the balance of the vulnerable pygmy hippopotamus population.

So far, experts estimate there are only 2,000 individuals in West Africa. These creatures are threatened by widespread deforestation and by local people who consider them a mere source of proteins.