Cebu tamaraw (SciiFii)

The Cebu tamaraw (Bubalus cebuensis) is a species of dwarf buffalo that is native to the Philippines. The Cebu tamaraw originally lived during the Pleistocene and/or early Holocene, and was once extinct, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and reintroduced to the Philippines. The most distinctive feature of Cebu tamaraw is its small size. Large contemporary domestic water buffalo stand 2 meters (roughly 6 feet) at the shoulder and can weigh up to 1 tonne (around 2,000 lb), the Cebu tamaraw stands only 75 centimeters (about 2 feet 6 inches) and weigh about 150 to 160 kg (around 300 lb), smaller than the another dwarf buffalo species, Bubalus mindorensis. The Cebu tamaraw is a grazer that primarily feeds on grasses and young bamboo shoots, although it is known to prefer cogon grass and wild sugarcanes. They are naturally diurnal, feeding during the daytime hours; however, daytime human activities have recently forced select Cebu tamaraw individuals to be nocturnal to avoid human contact. Unlike the closely related water buffalo, the Cebu tamaraw is a solitary creature. Adults of the species do not occur in herds or smaller packs, and are often encountered alone. The Cebu tamaraw is known to live for about 20 years, with an estimated lifespan of about 25. The adult female Cebu tamaraw gives birth to one offspring after a gestation period around 300 days. There is an interbirth interval of two years, although females have been sighted with two or three juveniles. The calf stays for 2–4 years with its mother before becoming independent. The conservation status of the Cebu tamaraw is Endangered due to habitat loss and some poaching, however, thanks to the conservationists, the Cebu tamaraw is a protected species.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii