Lowland Anoa

Bubalus depressicornis

The Lowland Anoa lives in undisturbed, dense, rain forests on the island of Sulawesi (in Indonesia). It is estimated that there are only around 5000 anoas left in the wild.

Anoas are very efficient at pushing through the forest, while holding their horns close to their back so to avoid being tangled. They are normally tranquil and shy animals, but if approached within a critical distance, anoas may attack very violently, using their horns as daggers.

The Lowland anoa resembles a tiny water buffalo. Indeed, the word “anoa” means “buffalo” in Sulawesi. This animal feeds on grasses, ferns, and fallen fruit. They also appear to get additional minerals that they need by drinking sea water.

This picture was taken at the zoo of San Diego, California, in March 2004.

Genus Bubalus
Subfamily Bovinae
Family Bovidae
Order Artiodactyla
Subclass Eutheria
Class Mammalia
Subphylum Vertebrata
Phylum Chordata
Kingdom Animalia
Life on Earth
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