| Buru babirusa | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Artiodactyla |
| Family: | Suidae |
| Genus: | Babyrousa |
| Species: | B. babyrussa[1] |
| Binomial name | |
| Babyrousa babyrussa[1] | |
 | |
| Range (in brown) | |
| Synonyms | |
Sus babyrussaLinnaeus, 1758 | |
TheBuru babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa) is a wildpig-like animal native to theIndonesian islands ofBuru, the twoSula Islands ofMangole andTaliabu. It is also known as theMoluccan babirusa,golden babirusa, andhairy babirusa. Traditionally, this relatively small species included the otherbabirusas assubspecies, but it has been recommended treating them as separate species based on differences in theirmorphology.[2] As also suggested by its alternativecommon names, the Buru babirusa has relatively long thick, gold-brown body-hair – a feature not shared by the otherextant babirusas.[3][4]
In absence of detailed data on the Buru babirusa, it is generally assumed that its habitat and ecology are similar to that ofNorth Sulawesi babirusa (B. celebensis). Furthermore, as all babirusas were consideredconspecific under thescientific nameB. babyrussa until 2001, data collected before that is consistently listed under the nameB. babyrussa, though the vast majority actually refers toB. celebensis (by far the best known species of babirusa). Babirusas tend to occupy tropical rainforests, river banks and various natural ponds rich in water plants. They areomnivorous and feed on various leaves, roots, fruits, invertebrates and small vertebrates. Their jaws and teeth are strong enough to crack any kind of nuts. Babirusas lack therostral bone in their nose, which is a tool used by other wild pigs for digging. Therefore, they prefer feeding on roots in soft muddy or sandy soils. Cannibalism was reported among babirusas, feeding on the young of their own species or other mammals.[5] North Sulawesi babirusas form groups with up to a dozen of individuals, especially when raising their young. Older males might live individually.[2]
The north Sulawesi babirusa reach sexual maturity when they are 5–10 months old. Theirestrous cycle is 28–42 days, and the gestation period lasts 150–157 days. The females have two rows of teats and will give birth to 1–2 piglets weighing 380–1,050 grams (15–35 oz) and measuring 15–20 cm (6–8 inches), which they will nurse until the age of 6–8 months. The lifespan is about 24 years.[6][5]
The Buru babirusa has been assessed asvulnerable on theIUCN Red List, as its habitat is restricted a total area of 20,000 km2 (7,700 sq mi), and its gradual loss due to logging. Hunting by the local population is another cause of concern. Whereas it is unpopular among Muslim communities for religious reasons, it is widely hunted by the indigenous people of Buru, which are predominantly Christian. The meat of the Buru babirusa has low fat (only 1.27% compared to 5–15% for domestic pigs) and is regarded as a delicacy. It is also preferred by the locals to the meat of other wild pigs or deer in terms of texture and flavor.[2] The establishment of two protected areas on Buru, Gunung Kapalat Mada (1,380 km2 or 530 sq mi) and Waeapo (50 km2 or 20 sq mi), partly aim at preserving the habitat of the Buru babirusa.[7] This species also enjoys full protection under Indonesian law since 1931.[2]
