Babirusa belongs to the pig family. It is also related to Hippopotamuses. Babirusa can be found on several Indonesian islands, including Sulawesi, Togian, and Moluccan. The populations on all three islands are distinct, and scientists frequently classify them as three distinct subspecies: Sulawesi, Togian babirusa, and Moluccan babirusa. They all prefer to live in rainforests and moist, swampy forests. The main threats to all babirusas’ survival are habitat loss and hunting. These animals are classified as endangered (nearly endangered).
Babirusa can grow to be 3 to 3.7 feet long and weigh up to 220 pounds. The tail is usually between 10.5 and 12.5 inches long. Males are physically larger than females.
Babirusa has wrinkled grey to brown skin that is sparsely covered with brisk hair. It has very long and thin legs.
Babirusa has a long snout, small ears, and two sets of tusks. Males have enlarged lower and upper canines. Tusks can grow to be 12 inches long. Upper canines protrude from the upper lip and curve inward toward the eyes.
The precise function of tusks is unknown. Scientists believe that babirusas use their lower tusks to fight other males, while their upper tusks serve as a shield to protect their eyes from injury.
Tusks grow indefinitely. Upper tusks can pierce the skull if they are not worn down or broken over a lifetime.
Females, unlike males, have normal-sized upper tusks or none at all.
Males live alone, whereas females live in small groups made up of adult females and their offspring. A group of 8 animals is typical. The group communicates through grunts and moans.
Babirusa is a carnivore (eats both plants and meat). It typically consumes leaves, fruit, berries, nuts, and mushrooms.
Babirusa digs a hole in the ground with its hooves to find insect larva and insects. It also consumes small animals as well as carrion.
Babirusa is a fantastic swimmer. It can move from island to island in search of new food sources.
Babirusa is also the quickest animal in the pig family. It has the same speed as a deer.
Babirusa has a keen sense of smell and hearing, which he uses to locate food and avoid predators.
Babirusa, like all pigs, enjoys wallowing on the ground. The parasites are cleaned by rolling in the soil.
From January to August is mating season. Mating is preceded by a fight between males. Female pregnancy lasts 155 to 158 days and results in one or two piglets.
For the first 6 to 8 months of their lives, babies consume mother’s milk. They will begin eating solid food 10 days after birth. After one or two years, babirusas reach sexual maturity.
Babirusa can live up to 10 years in the wild and up to 24 years in captivity.
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