Buru Babirusa

Distribution

The restricted habitat of the Buru babirusa, with the total area within 20,000 km², and its gradual loss due to logging persuaded the International Union for Conservation of Nature to declare the species as vulnerable. 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 Buru babirusa has low fat 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. The establishment of two protected areas on Buru, Gunung Kapalat Mada and Waeapo , partly aim at preserving the habitat of the Buru babirusa. This species also enjoys full protection under Indonesian law since 1931.

Habitat

In absence of detailed data on ''B. babyrussa'', it is generally assumed that its habitat and ecology are similar to that of ''B. celebensis'' . Furthermore, as all babirusas were considered conspecific under the scientific name ''B. babyrussa'' until 2001, data collected before that is consistently listed under the name ''B. babyrussa'', though the vast majority actually refers to ''B. celebensis'' . Babyrusas tend to occupy tropical rainforests, river banks and various natural ponds rich in water plants. They are omnivorous 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 the rostral 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 or other mammals. North Sulawesi babirusas form groups with up to a dozen of individuals, especially when raising the young. Older males might live individually.

Reproduction

The north Sulawesi babirusa reach sexual maturity when they are 5–10 months old. Their estrous cycle is 28–42 days, and the gestation period lasts 150–157 days. The females have two rows of tits and thus bring 1–2 piglets weighing 380–1050 grams and measuring 15–20 cm, and milk them until the age of 6–8 months. The lifespan is about 24 years.