Babirusas may look like mythical beasts, but they are real creatures found in Indonesia’s remote islands. Known for their curling tusks and smooth skin, they combine pig-like features with deer-like grace. From unusual feeding habits to surprising swimming skills, babirusas have a world of secrets waiting to be explored.
Babirusas
Babirusas sport tusks that can pierce their own snouts, giving these animals an unforgettable look.
Males use their lower tusks for fighting rivals, but upper tusks, often brittle, may shield their eyes during battle.
Some babirusas swim between islands, showing off impressive aquatic skills that help them find new habitats.
Females can gather in groups of up to eighty-four individuals, making their communities unusually large for pigs.
Young babirusas eat solid food just ten days after birth, a quick start compared to most piglets.
The babirusas’ omnivorous appetite covers fruit, insects, small mammals, and even a bit of fish, boosting rainforest health.
Golden babirusas wear creamy-gold coats, while other species may appear almost bald or showcase black pelage.
They mark the ground with a foamy “ploughing” display, but researchers still debate its purpose.
These mammals use their four-pointed hooves to dig for larvae and roots, and sometimes stand on hind legs to reach leaves.
Unlike most wild pigs, babirusas rarely grunt at danger; instead, they run up to 30 kilometers per hour to escape threats.
The name “babirusa” comes from the Malay language and means “pig-deer,” reflecting their antler-like tusks.
Babirusas wallow in mud to keep cool, protect their skin, and enjoy jungle spa days far from prying eyes.
Males tend to live alone or in tiny groups, while females lead lively herds—a rare split for pig family members.
On some islands, males interlock tusks in ritual challenges, while others prefer dramatic butting matches.
Some fossil records and living babirusas show tusks growing so long they eventually penetrate the skull, a rare but deadly flaw.
