About Indonesian babirusas:
- The babirusa is a wild pig commonly known as "pig-deer", belong to a genus called Babyrousa.
- Since 2001, scientists have since recognized three extant species: Buru babirusa(Babyrousa babyrussa), North Sulawesi babirusa (B. celebensis), Togian babirusa (B. togeanensis).
- Habitat: They can be found in moist, swampy forests and in the lush thickets of tropical rainforests.
- Distribution: They are found in the Indonesian islands of Sulawesi, Togian, Sula and Buru.
- Characteristics of Indonesian babirusas:
- They are among the fastest runners in the pig family.
- They are excellent swimmers.
- They are well known for their lower canine tusks which are possessed by both sexes, along with the upper canine tusks that grow only on males.
- Diet: Their diet includes fruits, plants and small animals.
- They use their specialised hooves to dig for insect larvae and roots in the ground.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
