Lowland Anoa (Bubalus depressicornis)
Classification and Range
Lowland anoas belong to the family Bovidae, which includes about 23 species of cattle and spiral-horned antelopes. They also belong to the subfamily Bovinae which includes about 24 species of cattle. The lowland anoa belongs to the genus Bubalus, which includes four species; lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis), mountain anoa (Bubalus quarlesi), wild water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and tamarau (Bubalus mindorensis).* The lowland anoa is found on the northern part of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, also known as Celebes.
Habitat
The lowland anoa is found in shaded, swampy, lowland forests
Physical Characteristics:
Height at Shoulders: 34 inches (86 cm)
Horn Length: Males: 12 inches (30 cm) Females: 10 inches (25 cm)
Weight: 200-500 pounds (90-225 kg)
Life Span
In the wild: 15-20 years
At the zoo: up to 28 years
Diet
In the wild: Grasses, ferns, saplings, palm, ginger and fallen fruit.
At the zoo: Hay and herbivore pellets.
Reproduction
Little is known about the biology of the anoas. They have no known breeding season. Females and males sexually mature at about age 2. The gestation period lasts from 275 to 315 days. When calving time nears, females will go off alone. Usually one offspring is born and rarely twins. Young have thick, yellowish-brown, woolly hair. Females usually have one calf every year.
Life Cycle
Anoas are thought to be mostly solitary mammals but a few reports of small herds (up to five individuals) have been recorded. There is no evidence that anoas are territorial but males have been seen marking trees with their horns and soil-scratching after urinating. Lowland anoas spend most of their time in shady forests and they are most active in the morning and afternoon. Anoas frequently wallow in mud and water. Anoas have been seen drinking sea water which might fulfill their mineral needs in areas that do not have salt licks or mineral spring water.
Aggressive Anoas
In Sulawesi, anoas have a reputation for being very aggressive toward humans. Young males and females with offspring are considered especially dangerous. Many researchers and natives of Sulawesi have scars from anoa horns to support the idea that these animals have belligerent temperaments. In zoos, anoas are less aggressive because they become used to humans. In the wild, humans are almost the only enemy an anoa has. Occasionally a python (Python reticulatus or Python molurus) or an endemic civet (Macrogalidia musschembroekii) will prey upon an infant anoa.
Balding Beasts
As a lowland anoa becomes an adult, it loses most of its woolly baby hair. Adult lowland anoas have thick, black skin which is visible through the sparse, black hair. Lowland anoas also have white or yellowish-white stockings on each foreleg and sometimes blotches of white on the throat and nape. The mountain anoa has a thick woolly coat through adulthood which varies from black to dark brown. Mountain anoas rarely have yellowish-white spots above their hooves and never have the white marking on their throat or nape. Both types of anoas have stocky bodies and their hindquarters are slightly higher than the shoulders. The horns of an adult lowland anoa are triangular shaped and wrinkled. The mountain anoa s horns and tail are shorter than the lowland anoa. Lowland anoas are taller at the shoulder and weigh more than mountain anoas. All anoas usually travel at a trot and occasionally make clumsy leaps.
Location at the Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo's lowland anoas can be viewed in the Conservation Yards directly behind the Raptor Center. These short, cow-like animals might even wander right up to the fence. In the wild, lowland anoas are very cautious and usually shy.
Conservation Connection:
The lowland anoa is an endangered species. The main reason for this animal's endangerment is due to its small restricted ranges being overpopulated by humans. Also, excessive hunting has decreased the number of wild lowland anoas. Hunters generally use snares, spears or dogs to kill anoas. Also, hunters set fires to trap anoas. Anoa meat is used for local consumption.
The wild number of anoas is unknown. As of 1995, 110 anoas were in captivity. Unfortunately, anoas are not easy to breed in captivity. Inbred captive anoas are a problem and zoos work to diversify the gene pool. Woodland Park Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums' (AZA) Cattle Taxon Advisory Group which manages the anoa species and works to increase the number of healthy captive anoas.
How You Can Help!
The effort to save endangered anoas requires cooperation and support at the international, national, regional and individual levels. You can help in this cause. Join and become active in Woodland Park Zoo and other conservation organizations of your choice. Please do not buy products made from wild animal parts. Contact your elected representatives and express your views about conservation of endangered species and wild habitats.
Contact Woodland Park Zoo webkeeper@zoo.org to find out ways you can support conservation programs at the zoo. Learn other ways you can help conserve wildlife and the habitats they require for survival by visiting our How You Can Help page.
Sources and Suggested Reading
Macdonald, David, ed. 1993. The Encyclopedia of Mammals. Facts on File, Inc., New York, NY. 895 p.
Nowak, Ronald M., ed. 1991. Walker's Mammals of the World. 5th Edition. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore and London. 1,629.