Babirussa from the island of Sulawesi: the most unusual pig in the world

On the island of Sulawesi there is a completely unusual wild pig called Babirussa, which is very different from the rest of its relatives. Locals call her a deer pig, and all because the head of the males of this species is decorated with four long fangs, which, due to their impressive size, are more like horns. Neither wild boars, nor forest pigs, nor African warthogs - none of the members of the pig family can boast of such unusual fangs as babirussa.

This species has unusually long fangs, one pair on each jaw, which grows only in males. The fangs of the upper jaw rest on the forehead as they grow, and the older the male becomes, the longer his fangs. In the wild, babiruses live up to 10-15 years, so fangs, both upper and lower, can reach considerable length in males of great age. It is noteworthy that animals do not use fangs for food, since this species of pigs does not feed on plant roots. Obviously, they serve only as a hallmark of males and, perhaps, are an instrument of intimidation of rivals.

But original fangs are by no means the only feature of babirussa. This species has practically no hairline, and the skin is thin and easily vulnerable. In addition, babiruses have small ears and a disproportionately small head compared to the trunk.

Babiruses live on the island of Sulawesi, Buru and several neighboring ones. These pigs, barely born, can swim beautifully. They easily overcome rivers and straits between neighboring islands, so the population consists of several groups. The largest of them lives in the north of Sulevesi, where enough intact forests - habitats of Babirussa - have still been preserved. Although among these pigs there are also those who prefer to spend time on the seashore. At low tide, Babirussians who live near the coasts always come to the sea to get food in the form of gapeous marine inhabitants who did not have time to hide in the water. Their daily routine is clearly synchronized with the ebb and flow of the tide, although in general plant foods predominate in their diet.

Babiruses are easily tamed, and some locals keep them at home. In addition, they perfectly take root and breed in zoos and nurseries, which in the future may become a key factor in the conservation of the species. Babiruses live in remote areas of the wildlife of the tropics, so their exact number is unknown. But experts believe that there are about 4 thousand animals left, and due to the gradual reduction in the area of ​​natural forests, they are becoming less and less. The second important factor regulating the number of these original pigs in the wild is the hunting of local residents, many of whom live in rural areas and lead a traditional lifestyle. Not so long ago, the Indonesian government took care of the fate of Babirussa and organized a special nature reserve to protect the species. I want to believe that the efforts of environmental organizations will not be in vain and that unusual floating pigs with fang horns can be saved.

Watch the video: BBC Wild Nature: Unique Sulawesi Animals - Indonesian Fire Islands (March 2024).

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