WILD PIG, PECCARY, Babirusa ... a unique pig with tusks like no other! AND HIPPO TAG

Why exhibit babirusas? • Get involved with ACTION INDONESIA, the new Global Species Management Plan for babirusa, banteng, and anoa! This exciting collaborative effort combines the expertise of in situ experts and zoo professionals to save these flagship species. • Present a spokes-species for island endemism and biodiversity: babirusa are native to the island of Sulawesi, where they are threatened by habitat loss and bushmeat hunting. • Show off pigs in a green exhibit: babirusas do not root up vegetation like other suids do! • Amaze your visitors with bizarre dentistry: the tusks of males grow up THROUGH their snouts! • Connect with your local boxing club to raise awareness and funding: babirusas fight by rearing up and “boxing” with their front legs.

MEASUREMENTS IUCN Length: 3 feet VULNERABLE Stewardship Opportunities Height: 2.5 feet CITES I Support the ACTION INDONESIA GSMP! at shoulder For more information, contact James Burton, Weight: 100-220 lbs <5,000 in IUCN Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group Chair. Rainforest Indonesia (Sulawesi) the wild [email protected]

Care and Husbandry YELLOW SSP: 30.25 (55) in 15 AZA institutions (2015) Species coordinator: Joe Forys, Audubon Zoo [email protected] ; (504)266-1163

Social nature: Typically housed individually, in pairs, or single-sex groups (including multiple males). Pregnant females require isolation, as other adults may injure piglets. Mixed species: Successfully mixed with anoa (juvenile), small-clawed otters, and gibbon species. Babirusa are usually not aggressive towards exhibit-mates. Housing: Not cold-tolerant. Mud wallows and/or pools are well-used. Medical notes: Skin problems may occur if confined in forced-air heated environments. Joint and foot issues are common, particularly when kept on hard substrates. Special requirements: Tusks of males are brittle; care should be taken in enclosure design to avoid large gaps where tusks may get caught and broken. Keeper resources: Typical cleaning of exhibit and holding areas. A variety of enrichment is necessary to keep animals stimulated. Smart, tractable, and readily trained.

Please contact the TAG for full husbandry guidelines. http://www.azaungulates.org/ Photos by B. Huffman and WCS/J. Larsen Maher. Published March 2017.