Babirusa: Indonesia’s Pig-Deer and Its Vulnerable Status
Why in the news
A UK zoo celebrated the birth of a rare babirusa piglet, Rana, while wild numbers in Indonesia keep falling.
Key facts
- Born at: Chester Zoo, UK; piglet named Rana.
- Threats: African swine fever, habitat loss and hunting.
- IUCN status: Vulnerable.
- Range: four Indonesian islands – Sulawesi, Togian, Sula, Buru.
About the babirusa
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Genus | Babyrousa |
| Nickname | Pig-deer |
| Name origin | Malay: babi (pig) + rusa (deer), after the stag-like upper tusks |
| Habitat | Tropical rainforest, swamps and wetlands, often by rivers and ponds rich in water plants |
| Distribution | Endemic to four Indonesian islands only |
It is counted among the oldest and oddest-looking wild pigs.
Exam angle
- Meaning of the name: pig-deer.
- Endemic region: Indonesia.
- Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN).