Main Characteristics

Babirusas are pig like animals that have a body length between 0.9 and 1.1 m (3 - 3.7 ft), a tail length between 27 - 32 cms (10.5 - 12.5 inches) and they weigh up to 100 kgs (220 lbs).

They are coloured brown/grey and they have a sparse covering of hair on their skin.They have excellent senses of smell and hearing, and they are fast runners and can swim well.

They have two pairs of tusks; both the upper and lower canines are enlarged and they curve backwards towards their face. They can be up to 30 cms (12 inches) in length and they are loose socketed and brittle. The upper canines grow up through their muzzle and can pierce their skull again between their eyes as they become larger.

Habitat

Babirusas are found on the Indonesian islands of Sulawesi, Togian, Burn and Sulu. They prefer areas of moist, tropical forests and the shores of rivers and lakes.

Males tend to be solitary but females and their young travel around in small groups of up to 8 individuals.

Diet

Babirusas are omnivores and they mainly feed on fruit, but they also eat grasses, leaves, carrion and small animals.

Breeding

After a gestation period of 155 - 158 days a litter of 1 - 2 piglets are born. They are born in a nest made of vegetation and the female has only one pair of teats with which to feed them.

Predators

Humans are the main threat to Babirusas.

Interesting Facts

Babirusas are also known as:
Pig-Deer

Similar Animals

Warthog
Wild Boar