Abstract
The babirusa ( Babyrousa babyrussa ), an endangered suid endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia, has scarcely been studied in the wild. Sixty hours of observation on social organization of babirusa and patterns of visitation to a natural salt lick were made during 32 months in 1989–1994. Babirusa groups observed at the lick were 1–13 individuals ( n = 393 groups), and solitary adult males or matriarchal groups were the most frequently sighted group types. A daily pattern of visits to the lick was discernible with the highest number of groups at the lick between 1700–1800 h. Mean duration of visit was greatest (17.4 min) between 1700–1800 h. Use of the lick differed markedly among mammalian species; 98.0% of all activity was of babirusa compared with <1.0% by each of three other endemic Sulawesi mammals. Chemical analysis of soil and water at the lick revealed higher levels of minerals than in control samples. Possible reasons for geophagy by babirusa are discussed.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
