The North Sulawesi babirusa (Babyrousa celebensis ) is a pig-like animal native to Sulawesi and some nearby islands (Lembeh, Buton and Muna) in Indonesia. It has two pairs of large tusks composed of enlarged canine teeth. The upper canines penetrate the top of the snout, curving back toward the forehead. The North Sulawesi babirusa is threatened from hunting and deforestation.
The common and scientific names are various transcriptions of its local name, which literally translated means "pig-deer" (from Indonesian babi, "pig" + rusa, "deer" – see also Javan rusa) in reference to the huge tusks of the male suggestive of a deer's antlers.
The North Sulawesi babirusa is a pig-like animal native to Indonesia. Its mostly hairless, mottled-grey-and-brown hide provides it with a degree of camouflage. The North Sulawesi Babirusa is known for its two pairs of tusks; both its upper and its lower pairs of canine teeth are greatly enlarged, and curve up and back towards the head. The upper canines of the male are so curved and enlarged that they emerge through the flesh, by way of holes, to pass through the top of the snout. In females, the canines are far shorter and typically do not protrude. The common and scientific names of these unusually looking animals are literally translated as "pig-deer" in reference to the huge tusks of the male that look like a deer's antlers.
North Sulawesi babirusas occur in Sulawesi and some nearby islands (Lembeh, Buton, and Muna) in Indonesia. They live in the underbrush of tropical forests and canebrakes, and on the shores of rivers and lakes.
North Sulawesi babirusas are social animals. Females typically form small family groups; males may also live in small bachelor herds or spend their time singly. Both males and females establish dominance hierarchies within their groups. North Sulawesi babirusas are active during the day. They usually forage in the mornings and late afternoons and rest during hot midday hours. They often gather in large groups around wallowing areas and salt licks. Babirusas are quite vocal animals and use a wide range of sounds in order to communicate with each other. They produce grunts, moans, screeches, growling, and make teeth clattering.
North Sulawesi babirusas are omnivores. They eat leaves, roots, fallen fruits, nuts, and mushrooms and will also catch invertebrates, small mammals, and birds.
North Sulawesi babirusas breed year-round. Females prepare soft nests on the ground made of dry vegetation where they will give birth to their young. The gestation period typically lasts for 155-166 days. The litter size consists of 1 or 2 piglets that are born well-developed and are able to stand on their own feet. They begin to eat solid food at 10 days after birth and become weaned between 5 and 12 months of age.
The main threats to this species include illegal hunting, trapping, and habitat loss due to deforestation.
According to IUCN Red List, the total population size of the North Sulawesi babirusa is 9,999 mature individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are decreasing.
