Anoa Indonesian Mammalias

Anoa (Bubalus depressicornis)

Anoa are small buffalo-like animals endemic to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. Traditionally two species are recognized: the lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis) and the mountain anoa (Bubalus quarlesi). However, the classification of these animals has remained something of a puzzle ever since they were first described by Western biologists and it has been suggested that there may in fact be more than two species; it has also been suggested that there may only be one highly variable species (which may or may not be divided into a number of subspecies). In addition to the taxonomic uncertainties surrounding the anoas very little is known about the ecology, behavior, or general biology of these animals. Both species of anoa are listed as Endangered in the 1994 IUCN Red List (Groombridge, 1993) and both are included in CITES Appendix I.

Too few data exist to quantify the status of the anoas but they still appear to be widely distributed on Sulawesi. However, there is little doubt that they have been in decline since the beginning of the twentieth century; and no doubt that they have declined over the 1970-1995 period, precipitously in some areas. Hunting and habitat loss have been, and continue to be the major causes of the decline; with hunting the more serious factor in most areas. The current status of the anoas is thus a matter for serious concern with populations in small reserves such as Gunung Tangkoko - Dua Saudara NR and Tanjung Amolengu GR threatened with local extinction, and even the populations in large protected areas and other large forest blocks reported to be in decline as a result of heavy hunting pressure.

This species is vulnerable due to its restricted range and the possibility of extinction from several threats including hunting, habitat loss, and possible natural catastrophes. The management and conservation objective is to maintain genetically viable, self-sustaining, free-living Anoa population(s). In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to understand the risk factors that affect survival of the anoas. Risk characterization is a major concern in endangered species management and a goal is to reduce the risk of extinction to an acceptable level by risk management. A set of software tools to assist simulation and quantitative evaluation of risk of extinction is available and was used as part of Population and Habitat Viability Assessment Workshop. This technique can improve identification and ranking of risks and can assist assessment of management options.