The anoa Bubalus depressicornis
The anoa is the smallest among all extant wild species of Bovini; its shoulder height is only 60 to 100 cm and weight ranges from 150 to 300 kg. Small head and slender legs make this buffalo resemble an antelope. Short horns (no longer than 40 cm) of adult animals point backwards and are flat. The anoa is endemic to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. These buffalos inhabit dense tropical forests. They feed on leaves, fruit, and grass and drink a lot of water. Anoas often wallow and bathe in pools of water. These buffalos are sedentary animals living in the range territories in pairs or small family groups. Breeding season of the anoa is not fixed. Intensive logging activities and conversion of lands to agriculture resulted in declining of the anoa populations and now this species remains only in small protected areas. Although the anoe is fully protected under Indonesian law, these animals are still killed by poaches. Anoas are also hunted because of their meat and skins that are used by some local tribes for making ceremonial clothes. The total population of the anoe has dramatically decreased and the species is currently considered endangered. Fortunately, anoas breed successfully in zoos, with zoo breeding program aiming at establishing healthy captive population, which could serve as a potential source of animals for future restoration projects for this species.
