tamaraw

The tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis), also known as the Mindoro dwarf buffalo, is a small bovine species endemic to Mindoro Island in the Philippines. It is among the country’s most endangered mammals and remains a focus of conservation efforts.

Description and biology

Tamaraws are smaller and stockier than the domestic water buffalo. They have a gray-brown coat and a pair of short, backward-curving horns. Adults tend to be shy and elusive, often observed in small groups or alone, with activity concentrated at dawn and dusk. They are herbivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves, and other vegetation. Reproduction occurs at intervals with calves born after a long gestation, typically yielding a single offspring.

Range and habitat

Historically widespread across Mindoro, the tamaraw’s range has contracted to a few protected areas and surrounding landscapes on the island. They favor forested foothills and grasslands, and are largely restricted to protected zones such as the Mounts Iglit-Bonok-Bonok National Park and adjacent community-managed habitats.

Threats and conservation

The tamaraw is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Major threats include habitat loss from agricultural and human encroachment, hunting, and disease, with natural disasters presenting additional risk to small populations. Conservation actions involve protected-area management, anti-poaching measures, and community-based programs that engage Indigenous Mangyan communities. Ecotourism and local stewardship are increasingly used to support protection and monitoring of the remaining populations.