The babirusa is a wild pig species known for its highly unusual appearance, particularly the prominent, curved tusks of the male. Its name, which translates to “pig-deer” in the Malay language, refers to its deer-like legs and the antler-like growth of its dental weapons. This rare and ancient member of the pig family, Babyrousa, represents one of the oldest living genera of swine, having diverged from its ancestors millions of years ago. The babirusa is an iconic Indonesian mammal.
Identification and Unique Anatomy
The babirusa has a distinctive physical form, characterized by a barrel-shaped body set upon relatively long, thin legs. Its skin is thick, wrinkled, and generally hairless, ranging in color from dull gray to brownish. Adult males can weigh up to 220 pounds and are noticeably larger than females.
The most striking feature is the male’s elaborate dental structure, which includes four tusks. The lower canines grow upward and outward. The upper canines are unique, emerging vertically from the snout, piercing the skin, and curving backward over the forehead toward the eyes. These upper canines can reach lengths of up to 12 inches and continue to grow throughout the animal’s life.
These massive upper tusks are relatively fragile and are not used as primary offensive weapons in combat, unlike the tusks of other wild pigs. Instead, males often rear up on their hind legs to “box” with their front hooves during dominance disputes. The tusks may serve primarily as a display of fitness to females, or possibly as a protective shield for the face against the opponent’s lower tusks. Female babirusas either have small upper canines that do not pierce the skin or none at all.
Geographic Range and Natural Habitat
The babirusa is endemic to the Indonesian archipelago, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. Its distribution is restricted to the large island of Sulawesi and a few surrounding smaller islands, including Togian, Sula, and Buru.
This species prefers to inhabit tropical rainforests, particularly those near bodies of water. They are typically found in moist, swampy areas and along riverbanks and lakeshores. The babirusa wallows in mud, which helps regulate body temperature and protect its nearly hairless skin from parasites and insects.
Behavior, Diet, and Social Structure
Babirusas are primarily active during the day, making them one of the few pig species that is diurnal or crepuscular. When they are not foraging, they spend time resting, often lying down or wallowing in the mud during the hottest parts of the day. They are also known to be adept swimmers, capable of crossing open water to reach other areas.
Diet and Foraging
As omnivores, their diet is varied, but they show a preference for fruits, nuts, leaves, and fungi. They use their powerful jaws and teeth to crack hard nuts and consume invertebrates, fish, and small mammals. Unlike most other swine, the babirusa does not possess the reinforced rostral bone necessary for rooting in hard ground with its snout. Instead, they forage by walking with their nose close to the ground, using their hooves to dig for roots and insect larvae in soft soil or rotting wood.
Social Structure
The social structure is characterized by a difference between the sexes. Adult males tend to be solitary, occasionally forming small bachelor groups of two or three individuals. Females, however, are often found in small family groups that can include their young, sometimes numbering up to eight individuals.
Conservation Status and Threats
All species of babirusa are listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with the North Sulawesi babirusa currently classified as Vulnerable. The total wild population is estimated to be fewer than 10,000 individuals and is declining.
The most severe threats to the babirusa’s survival are habitat loss and hunting pressure. Commercial logging, agricultural expansion, and gold prospecting have caused a drastic reduction in the lowland rainforests they depend upon, with some areas losing over 75% of this habitat. Hunting for their meat, which is considered a delicacy in some areas, remains a significant threat, despite legal protections in Indonesia. Babirusas are often caught in snares set for other wild pigs, contributing to their population decline. Conservation efforts include establishing protected areas, such as the Nantu Forest in Sulawesi, and education programs aimed at protecting the species and its unique ecosystem.