Babirusas  (Babyrousa spp.)

Babirusas are seriously threatened throughout their remaining range. The total wild population numbers are unknown, but unlikely to be more than a few thousand individuals, and dwindling rapidly as a result of continued illegal poaching and the loss of habitat from logging (7) (9). The loss and degradation of habitat from large-scale commercial logging not only deprives the babirusa of their moist forest habitat, but also increases their exposure to hunters (7). Although this species is fully protected by law, many animals are still caught and sold in local markets, especially in north Sulawesi where pig meat is considered a delicacy (3). Due to the babirusa's slow reproductive rate these threats unfortunately have a significant impact on the population (9).

International trade of the babirusa is prohibited by their listing on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (5). To date, approximately 12,000 km² of land on Sulawesi has been declared as wildlife protection areas and a further 20,000 km² await formal designation. While efforts are being made by the park services to educate local people and control animal poaching and logging, there is a chronic lack of financial resources in Indonesia as well as pressure from an expanding human population. Unfortunately the lack of up-to-date information on these species further restricts the effectiveness of any conservation measures at the local level (9) particularly most threatened forms from the smaller islands (7).

Mainland babirusas have been bred in captivity very successfully, but most of the existing captive population is highly in-bred (7). Fortunately the Indonesian authorities and a proportion of the public consider the babirusa to be a species of particular interest and especially worthy of protection. It is frequently referred to in park staff training and conservation materials and even more recently, in children's books, which will hopefully raise the awareness needed for the protection of these extraordinary animals (9).