The tamaraw is a brave dwarf buffalo that forages paths for smaller animals
It is also known as the Mindoro dwarf buffalo. While it is related to other Asian buffalo species, such as the wild water buffalo, its closest relative is the Anoa, which is found only on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.
The tamaraw is a short, stocky buffalo that can weigh up to 300 kg.
It has a reputation for having a fierce temperament and can be aggressive when disturbed.
Tamaraws can feed on a wide range of grasses, shrubs, and tree leaves, making them adaptable to various habitats, including swamps, grasslands, and mountain tropical forests. Due to past deforestation, they are now primarily found in grassland-dominated habitats. However, the tamaraw still needs shaded areas to maintain its biological physiological requirements.
It typically feeds at dusk and dawn, seeking shelter in forest cover during the hottest hours of the day. Tamaraws can spend hours in wallowing ponds to keep their bodies cool.
Where are they found
The tamaraw used to roam all parts of Mindoro in the early 20th century. After a century of trophy hunting, deforestation, and disease from livestock, it is now found in only four isolated locations in the mountainous areas of Mindoro.
The tamaraws of Mts Iglit-Baco Natural Park are found in grassland-dominated landscapes, while those in Aruyan Malati are forest dwellers. In the inner Mindoro mountain range, they roam through tropical, mossy, and bamboo forests, as well as upland grasslands.
How do they contribute to our ecosystem?
Creates trails for smaller animals by grazing through tall grass
Disperses seeds
Enriches soil and microfauna through its dung
Creates wallowing area through wallowing behaviour
Why are they in danger?
Bycatch from traditional traps set by upland indigenous people hunting deer
Killed by poachers for local bushmeat consumption
Limited capacity to disperse in new areas due to human activities
At risk for diseases from domestic cattle and prone to inbreeding due to low number of animals
