Babirusas (Babyrousa babirussa), or 'pig-deer', are endemic to Sulawesi and the surrounding Sula and Togian islands. They belong to the Suidae (pig family) and are the only member of the Babyrousa genus. Males are characterised by large, upward curving tusks which can grow up to 30cm in length. The function of these tusks, which are absent or reduced in size in females, is unclear although they may be used in fighting. Because they curve upwards towards the head, they are not used for digging as in other pigs.

Behaviour and ecology

Babirusas are confined to tropical rainforest, and are often found near rivers. Although they have been observed in captivity, not a lot is known about their behaviour in the wild. They are Omnivorous, eating mainly fruit and plant material but also insect larvae, fungi and small mammals. Adult males tend to be solitary, whereas females live in groups including several adults and their young. Like other pig species, they wallow in mud to remove skin parasites. Babirusas also exhibit 'ploughing' behaviour whereby they push their snouts into the earth, which is believed to be involved scent marking.

Threats

Habitat loss and hunting for meat are the two primary threats facing babirusas. Given their small litter size (females typically give birth to one or two infants), populations are particularly vulnerable to hunting by humans. Although hunting babirusas is illegal, small numbers are still sold in local markets in North Sulawesi.

Babirusa

Commercial logging in North Sulawesi has already caused a reduction in babirusa numbers and local extinction of some populations. Babirusas are amongst the first animals to be lost after logging as a consequence of habitat loss and increased predation risk by human populations and by ferrel dogs.

Conservation

Babirusas are listed by the IUCN as a vulnerable species. They are also protected under Indonesian wildlife law, making it illegal to poach, kill or trade babirusas. However, there are only thought to be around 5000 individuals left following illegal hunting and habitat loss over the last few decades.

Babirusas inhabit a number of protected areas on Sulawesi including National Parks such as Lore Lindu, nature reserves, and protected forests. Babirusas are still hunted in these protected areas, however. Efforts are being made by park officials to increase conservation awareness and to control illegal poaching in these protected areas. However, lack of financial resources and expanding human populations mean that these areas are largely ineffective at protecting animals at the local level. The babirusa has been selected as the symbol of Lore Lindu National Park, and therefore has potential as a flagship species to provoke conservation interests.

In 1998, a captive breeding program was inititated with the aim of capturing 40 wild babirusas. The capture process was carefully planned to protect wild populations and was to involve trained vetinarians. However, before the capture program had officially begun, hunters and commercial dealers were given the false impression that there was a demand for capturing live babirusas. This led to illegal capture of babirusas in protected areas in addition to the trade in babirusa meat. Fortunately the Indonesian government stopped the trade in live babirusas, preventing further damage. At present, babirusas in captivity are thought to be in-bred (i.e. not genetically diverse) and in general there are doubts whether captive breeding is a useful conservation measure.

Given the babirusas endangered status, the IUCN has proposed a conservation action plan. The objectives include determining distribution and population levels, expanding the network of protected areas, promoting further research into the biology of the species, and promoting awareness amongst local people and visitors.