lowland anoa

Lowland Anoa

Bubalus depressicornis

CLASS Mammalia | ORDER Artiodactyla | FAMILY Bovidae

RANGE Indonesia

HABITAT Lowland forests, swampy areas, and mountainous areas from sea level to 5,000 feet above

DIET Grasses, ferns, saplings, ginger, palm, fallen fruit

Weight
200 - 500 lbs

Length
5.5 - 6 ft

Gestation
10 months

Young
Usually 1 calf

IUCN Status
Endangered
lowland anoa

Lowland anoa are shy creatures only found on the small island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. They eat in the early morning and then take cover in the forest's undergrowth to keep cool during the day. They also help control forest undergrowth by feeding on the grasses and plants.

lowland anoa

Lowland anoas are impressive swimmers. They have been spotted swimming long distances to offshore islands.

Despite their docile appearance, anoas are very excitable and dangerous. They can attack violently and use their sharp, short horns as daggers.

lowland anoa

Despite laws protecting the lowland anoa, it is facing serious declines. The wild population is estimated at less than 2,500 mature individuals. Two major causes of the anoa's shrinking population include excessive hunting for their meat and loss of habitat.