---
title: Babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa)
slug: babirusa-babyrousa-babyrussa-1df24
url: /detay/babirusa-babyrousa-babyrussa-1df24
type: article
language: English
entity:
  primary: Babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa)
  type: article
  disambiguation: Discover the unique Babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa), an endangered Indonesian pig with upward-curving tusks!
  categories:
    - name: Ecology, Botany And Zoology
      slug: ekoloji-botanik-ve-zooloji
      url: /kategori/ekoloji-botanik-ve-zooloji
  tags:
    - Tropical Forest
    - Babirusa
    - Conservation
    - Habitat
author: Emre Özen
created_at: 2025-05-26T16:32:16.206508+03:00
updated_at: 2025-06-18T19:15:55.633442+03:00
image: https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/05/26/OZ3lKofeWdN7aM4uxeIp69bUhcumZ1ec.webp
---

# Babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa)

<!-- CONTEXT: KURE Information Cards for "Babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa)" -->

## KURE Information Cards

### KURE Information Card: Babirusa

![bbbbbbb.webp](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/05/26/DGrhH19EdaOpfxnRM2mxMfMltgH2kx8E.webp)

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Scientific Name(s) | Babyrousa babyrussa |
| Length(s)(Text) | Approximately 85–110 cm |
| Weight(s)(Text) | 40–100 kg |
| Family(ies) | Suidae |
| Distribution(s) | Indonesia,Sulawesi Island and surrounding islands |
| Conservation Status(es) | Threatened (IUCN) |
| Diet(s) | Small invertebrates,Leaves,fruits,Omnivorous,Roots |

<!-- CONTEXT: Article Content for "Babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa)" -->

## Article Content

Babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa) is a mammal species belonging to the family *Suidae*, endemic to Sulawesi Island of Indonesia and its surrounding islands. This genus is particularly notable for the upward-curving tusks seen in males. [Babirusas](/en/detay/babirusa-babyrousa-babyrussa-8e14d/llms.txt) inhabit tropical rainforests and are usually found alone or in small groups. The species faces threats such as habitat loss and hunting, and conservation efforts are in place to support its survival.

### **Morphology and Physical Characteristics**

Babirusas are medium-sized mammals. In males, the most distinctive feature is the upper canines that grow upward, piercing through the skin and curving backward over the head. In females, these tusks are much smaller or may be absent altogether. Their bodies are generally hairless, with thick and elastic skin.

### **Ecology and Habitat**

Babirusas live in the tropical rainforests of Sulawesi and neighboring islands. They prefer moist areas with dense vegetation and are often found near water sources. Their feeding habits are omnivorous; they consume fruits, leaves, roots, and small invertebrates.

![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/05/13/P2OS8vde3mleXFumTkMPYagGzcBr85ey.png)
*Babirusas in the Tropical Forest (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)*

### **Behavior and Social Structure**

Babirusas are generally solitary but may occasionally form small groups. Males compete for access to females during the mating season, often using their tusks in these encounters. Their daily activities peak during morning and evening hours, and they follow established paths between resting and feeding areas.

### **Conservation Status and Threats**

Babirusas face threats from habitat loss, hunting, and human activities. The conversion of forests into agricultural and residential land reduces their natural habitats. Additionally, they are hunted for their meat and tusks. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies babirusas as "Endangered." Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and regulation of hunting.

![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/05/13/mb9KbdH1Qxv523Ov4iOAYhzYC5VLS9FG.png)
*Babirusa Hunters (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)*

### **Human Interaction and Cultural Significance**

Babirusas are hunted by local communities for their meat and tusks. In some regions, their tusks are used as ornaments or in traditional artifacts. However, with increasing conservation awareness and legal regulations, efforts to protect the species have intensified. Ecotourism and environmental education programs also contribute to the conservation of babirusas.

![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/05/13/nbeBmWUVpGOSHHy1Q8enMJJwLndiBjcJ.png)
*Humans and Babirusas (Created by Artificial Intelligence)*

<!-- CONTEXT: Academic Sources and References for "Babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa)" -->

## Academic Sources and References

1. Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group. (2013). Strategy and Action Plan for Conservation of Babirusa (Babyrousa spp.) 2013–2022. https://www.asianwildcattle.org/uploads/1/2/1/8/121825577/strategy\_and\_action\_plan\_for\_babirusa\_conservation\_2013-2022\_english.pdf
2. Jati, A. S., Broto, B. W., Dri, G. F., Latifiana, K., Fraver, S., Rejeki, I. S., Bustang, N., & Mortelliti, A. (2024b). Conserving large mammals on small islands: A case study on one of the world’s most understudied pigs, the Togean islands babirusa. Biodiversity and Conservation, 33(3), 1207–1223. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-024-02800-5
3. Patry, M., Leus, K., & Macdonald, A. A. (1995). Group structure and behaviour of babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa) in northern Sulawesi. Australian Journal of Zoology, 43(6), 643–655. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248902170\_Group\_Structure\_and\_Behaviour\_of\_Babirusa\_Babyrousa\_Babyrussa\_in\_Northern\_Sulawesi