What kind of animal is the anoa (lowland anoa)? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. It is a small water buffalo that lives only in the northern part of Celebes Island in Indonesia, and is a very rare animal. Therefore, many people may not know about this animal, so we will introduce it to you.
What is Anoa? Basic Stats
The anoa is a mammalian animal classified as an even-toed ungulate in the Bovidae family of the Mammalia order. Its scientific name is Bubalus depressicornis, and its English name is Common anoa or Lowland anoa. Its body length is 150-180cm, its weight is 150-300kg, and its height is 70-100cm. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | アノア |
| English（英名） | Common anoa Lowland anoa |
| scientific name(学名) | Bubalus depressicornis |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Artiodactyla、 Bovidae、Bubalus 哺乳綱、ウシ目、ウシ科、アジアスイギュウ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 150-180cm |
| Weight（体重） | 150-300kg |
Habitat
The anoa is found only on the Indonesian island of Celebes (Sulawesi), making it an endemic animal.
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
Anoas have thick necks and bodies, short tails, no body hair, and almost all of their skin is exposed. They have V-shaped horns. The horns are 18-37cm long and the bases of the left and right horns are joined. They are characterized by not being curved like the horns of water buffaloes. They prefer wet areas such as swamps in forests. They rest during the day and are active from the evening onwards. Males have a sense of territory because they mark trees with their horns.
What is their personality like?
Anoas are not very social animals, as they usually live alone or with their mother and her child. They are also small because they are quick to anger, but they are also aggressive and dangerous if they are angry, so care must be taken when handling them.
What is their ecology?
Anoas live by eating buds, leaves, branches, aquatic plants, and fruit. They breed all year round with a gestation period of 275-315 days. They can give birth to one baby at a time. Their lifespan in the wild is said to be around 20 years at most.
Do they have any natural enemies?
The anoa has no significant natural enemies.
Is the anoa an endangered species?
The anoa is an endangered species. It is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), so international trade is strictly restricted. Its habitat is destroyed by deforestation and development, and it is also eaten, so it is being overhunted. Since anoas prefer forested areas, deforestation is a fatal situation.
Can anoas be kept as pets?
As mentioned above, the anoa is designated as an endangered species and is also listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), so international trade is strictly restricted. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to keep it as a pet. We recommend viewing them at zoos or events.
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