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| Mindoro Dwarf Water Buffalo Bubalus mindorensis (Heude, 1888) |
| Common Names: Tamaraw, tamarau
Desciption: The Philippine Tamaraw is a small buffalo and is the largest endangered land animal here in the Philippines found only in Mindoro. Body Length: 150-180 cm / 5-6 ft. Shoulder Height: 80-100 cm / 2.6-3.3 ft. Weight: 300 kg / 660 lb. It is a unique animal slightly smaller than the common carabao but closely resembling the carabao in all respects. Its horns grow straight upward with a "V" form instead of a circular growth as in a carabao horn. The short, glossy coat is dark brown to grayish black in colour, with a dark dorsal stripe which runs along the spine and onto the tail. Like anoas, young are born a light reddish-brown, turning slate grey around 3.5 years of age. Whitish markings on the head, lower neck, and legs, resembling those found in the anoa, are found in certain individuals. The legs are short and thick and the body heavy, giving this bovid a squat appearance. The wedge-shaped horns are very wide, stout, and laterally squashed. Curving slightly inwards, they grow 35-50 cm / 14-20 inches long. Habitat/Distribution: Originally from sea level to high peaks on Mindoro, but now confined to a few remote areas in the mountains. Probably prefers second growth and mixed forest/grasslands. This animal feeds mainly on grasses of various species but cogon grass is most preferred. It frequents dense vegetation along the rivers and spends most of its time in marshy areas. The Tamaraw can also be found in open grasslands and forests with an elevation of more than 2,000 meters above sea level. It is a solitary creature in nature except during the breeding season in the summer months of April to July. Bamboo forests and fields on the Philippine island of Mindoro (4,000 square miles in area). Reproduction Gestation Period: 276-315 days. Young per Birth: 1, Young are born in the late rainy season (from June-November depending on location), when food is most plentiful. Cows are not closely attached to their young, and may wander 50 meters / 170 feet from even a newborn. However, they may remain loosely associated for up to 4.5 years. Life Cycle Weaning: UNKNOWN Sexual Maturity: UNKNOWN Life span: About 20-25 years. . Habits Once diurnal, the tamarau is now primarily nocturnal due to the encroachment and disturbance caused by humans. The tamarau spends most of its time resting in dense forest, although feeding occurs primarily in open meadows. Mud wallowing is a frequent activity, and most tamarau are found in close proximity to water. Threats between individuals are made by lowering the head so that the horns are nearly vertical, and then shaking the head from side to side. The solitary nature of the tamarau is suggested to be an adaptation to a forest environment, where large groups would prove to be a hindrance. Lifestyle Family group: Adult bulls solitary, females either solitary or with calf. Diet: Grasses, fallen fruit, browse.
Threats: Destruction of its habitat due to deforestation or habitat
alterations have contributed to its decline. Over hunting or collection for
trophies have also taken a heavy toll on the Tamaraw population. From 10,000
head in the 1900's, the Tamaraw population is now down to 369 heads in the
late 80's giving them a precarious grip on survival. Photograph Information: Courtesy of the Lubee Collection. |
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