#20FactsASAP, #Babirusa, #animalfacts, #animalvideoshorts

Welcome to my channel where we look at 20 quick facts on a range of topics. Today’s episode is part of the animal series, we’re going to work our way from A to Z in each episode (then back to A) looking at different animals.

Today we are looking at the “Babirusa”

20 facts:

1. Babirusa, also known as the "deer pig," is a rare and unique species of pig found in the rainforests of Indonesia, specifically on the islands of Sulawesi, Togian, Sula, and Buru.
2. There are four recognized species of babirusa: the North Sulawesi babirusa (Babyrousa celebensis), the Togian babirusa (Babyrousa togeanensis), the Buru babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa), and the Sula babirusa (Babyrousa bolabatuensis).
3. The name "babirusa" comes from the Malay language, where "babi" means pig, and "rusa" means deer, referring to the animal's unique appearance that combines features of both pigs and deer.
4. Babirusas are known for their distinctive elongated upper canines or tusks. In males, these tusks grow upward from the snout and curve backward towards the forehead. In females, the tusks are smaller and less prominent.
5. The tusks of male babirusas can grow up to 17 inches (43 cm) long and can penetrate their own skulls if not worn down through constant use or rubbing against trees.
6. Babirusas have long, thin legs and slender bodies, which allow them to navigate through dense forests and swim across rivers.
7. These animals have a dark or reddish-brown coat of hair, which provides camouflage in their forest habitat.
8. Babirusas are herbivores, primarily feeding on roots, fruits, nuts, and leaves found on the forest floor. They use their snouts to dig in the soil and search for food.
9. Female babirusas typically give birth to one or two piglets at a time. The piglets are born with vertical stripes on their bodies, which fade away as they grow older.
10. Young babirusas stay with their mothers until they reach sexual maturity, around two to three years of age.
11. Babirusas are generally solitary animals, except during the breeding season when males compete for females. They mark their territories using scent markings and vocalizations.
12. These pigs are good swimmers and often cross rivers or swim to nearby islands in search of food or new territories.
13. The lifespan of babirusas in the wild is estimated to be around 10 to 15 years, although they can live longer in captivity.
14. Babirusas have a unique dental structure. They have a pair of lower canines that continue to grow throughout their lives, curving upward and backward in a similar fashion to the upper tusks.
15. The population of babirusas is declining due to habitat loss caused by deforestation, as well as hunting for their meat and tusks, which are considered valuable and used in traditional ceremonies and crafts.
16. The North Sulawesi babirusa is the most well-known and studied species of babirusa. It is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to the threats it faces.
17. Conservation efforts are being carried out to protect babirusas, including the establishment of protected areas and captive breeding programs.
18. Babirusas have an important ecological role in seed dispersal. They consume fruits and disperse the seeds through their feces, contributing to the regeneration of forests.
19. The unique appearance of babirusas has made them popular attractions in zoos and wildlife parks around the world.
20. Despite their resemblance to pigs, babirusas are not closely related to domestic pigs or wild boars. They belong to the family Suidae but are considered a distinct evolutionary lineage.

Hope you enjoyed, join me again for 20 more facts!

Disclaimer: While great efforts have been made to fact check, on occasion I may use the wrong image or state an incorrect/out of date fact, my apologies in advance. Always do your own research.

Remember to: Stay safe, indirectly seek happiness and stay informed

Oli

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