Among the various creatures in nature, there is a unique type of buffalo known as the Mindoro dwarf buffalo. Unlike regular buffalos, these animals are shorter in stature and feature a predominantly gray-colored coat on their bodies, with white markings on their lower limbs.
The Mindoro dwarf buffalo, scientifically known as Bubalus mindorensis, is an endemic species found exclusively in the Philippines. It belongs to the Bovid family.
The island of Mindoro, spanning less than 10,000 square kilometers, might be the ancestral home for these buffalo. It is believed that they arrived on the island via a land bridge formed during the ice age when the sea level receded.
Over time, rising sea levels isolated them on the island.
Fossil evidence indicates that the buffalo genus was once widely distributed throughout the Philippines. However, today, the population of Mindoro dwarf buffalo is confined to remote grasslands due to human development and hunting, making it an endangered species.
Measuring approximately 1 meter in height at the shoulder, 2.2 meters in length, and weighing between 200-300 kg, the Mindoro dwarf buffalo stands as the largest native land animal in the Philippines.
Mindoro buffalos mostly live in highland forests and marshy areas at altitudes of 2,000 meters. They are often found in expansive forests as well as scattered grasslands. To avoid mosquito bites, the Mindoro dwarf buffalo enjoys indulging in mud pits.
Their main diet consists of aquatic plants, such as horse ponds and two-sided pins. When faced with danger, the Mindoro dwarf buffalo exhibits a fierce temperament, lowering its head and employing its formidable horns during confrontations with other creatures.
Head-shaking is a common behavior observed during such encounters.
Mindoro buffalos are naturally active during the day, but they adapt their activity to nighttime to avoid human presence.
Mindoro dwarf buffalos exhibit a preference for solitary living, particularly the males, who spend considerable time alone and display high levels of aggression.
Although primarily found in the Philippines, their dwindling population is now maintained within three protected areas in the country.
Mindoro dwarf buffalos reproduce at a relatively slow rate, with females giving birth only once every two years. Each birth yields a single calf, and the gestation period lasts around 300 days.
The young calves remain with their mothers as the fathers will live solitary lives.
Being immature and inexperienced, the calves rely on their mothers for protection and guidance, as they are unable to fend for themselves or venture out for feeding.
In 1990, the population of Mindoro dwarf buffalo numbered only 10,000, a steep decline from the 1,000 individuals recorded in 1949. The rapid decrease in their numbers has resulted in a current population estimated to be around 120 individuals.
