Babirusas  (Babyrousa spp.)

Range

This genus has a very limited distribution, with the Sulawesi babirusa, Babyrousa celebensis, being endemic to the island of Sulawesi, the Togian Islands babirusa, Babyrousa togeanensis, being endemic to the neighbouring Togian Islands, and the hairy or golden babirusa, Babyrousa babyrussa, being found on Buru and Sula Islands of Taliabu and Mangole; all of which are in Indonesia (2) (4) (7) (9).

Habitat

The babirusa inhabits tropical rainforests and deciduous forests on the banks of rivers and lakes and seems to avoid shrub vegetation (6). Whereas in the past this intriguing animal has tended to occur in the low lying areas near coasts, recent surveys suggest that it is now increasingly confined to the interior on higher and less accessible ground (7).

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