Tamaraw  (Bubalus mindorensis)

Description

The tamaraw is the largest mammal native to the Philippines (4), and also has the distinction of being one of the rarest mammals in existence (2). It is a small buffalo that resembles the Asiatic water buffalo (Bubalus mindorensis) in many ways except size (5). It has a robust body with dark brown to greyish-black hair and short, stocky legs (2) (4). Stout, powerful horns, measuring up to 51 centimetres, grow in a ‘V’ shape from the forehead, have a triangular cross-section and are covered with coarse grooves (4). A greyish-white stripe runs from the inner corner of the eye outwards and greyish-white patches are also found on the legs and neck (5). Tamaraw calves are born reddish-brown and attain the same colour as adults in about five years (5).

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