Tamaraw
Bubalus mindorensis
Conservation Status
Critically EndangeredMammalia · Artiodactyla · Bovidae
About
The tamaraw or Mindoro dwarf buffalo is a small buffalo belonging to the family Bovidae. It is endemic to the island of Mindoro in the Philippines, and is the only endemic Philippine bovine. It is believed, however, to have once also thrived on the larger island of Luzon. The tamaraw was originally found all over Mindoro, from sea level up to the mountains, but because of human habitation, hunting, and logging, it is now restricted to only a few remote grassy plains and is now a critically endangered species.
Fun Fact
It is the second-largest native terrestrial mammal in the country, next only to the carabao.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Habitation and subsequent forest fragmentation of their home island of Mindoro, the habitat preferences of the tamaraw have somewhat expanded to lower-altitude grassy plains.
Diet
Feed on grasses.
Lifespan
20 years
Threats
- Habitat Destruction
- Pollution
- Invasive Species
- Over-Collection
- Climate Change