Babyrousa
Babirusas, also called deer-pigs (), are a genus, Babyrousa, in the swine family found in the Indonesian islands of Sulawesi, Togian, Sula and Buru. Previously all members of this genus were considered part of a single species, B. babyrussa, but in 2002 they were split into several species. The Buru babirusa is now restricted to animals from Buru and Sula, whereas the best-known species, the North Sulawesi babirusa, is named B. celebensis. The males have prominent upwards incurving canine tusks, which pierce the flesh in the snout.
AI overview
Babyrousas, also known as deer-pigs, are unusual members of the swine family native to several Indonesian islands, distinguished by the males' distinctive upward-curving tusks that pierce through their snouts. Once thought to be a single species, scientists split them into multiple species in 2002, with the North Sulawesi babirusa being the most well-known.
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Article
8 sectionsContents
- Classification
- Species
- Description
- Biology and ecology
- Relationship with humans
- Conservation status
- References
- External links
Babirusas, also called deer-pigs (), are a genus, Babyrousa, in the swine family found in the Indonesian islands of Sulawesi, Togian, Sula and Buru. Previously all members of this genus were considered part of a single species, B. babyrussa, but in 2002 they were split into several species. The Buru babirusa is now restricted to animals from Buru and Sula, whereas the best-known species, the North Sulawesi babirusa, is named B. celebensis. The males have prominent upwards incurving canine tusks, which pierce the flesh in the snout.
All species of babirusa are listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).