BABIRUSA Meaning and
Definition
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Babirusa refers to a type of pig native to the Indonesian islands of Sulawesi, Togian, and Buru. Scientifically classified under the genus Babyrousa, these unique creatures are known for their distinctive appearance and remarkable tusks. The word babirusa can be broken down into two parts: 'babi' meaning pig in the Indonesian language, and 'rusa' meaning deer. This etymology reflects the babirusa's somewhat deer-like characteristics, such as their long, slender legs.
Growing to an average shoulder height of around 65 centimeters, the babirusa has a thin coat of bristly hair that is typically grey or brown in color. However, its most distinctive features are the elongated upper canine teeth found in both males and females. In males, the upper canine teeth continue to grow, curving back up and through the skull, sometimes even penetrating the skin of the snout. These tusks may reach astonishing lengths of up to 30 centimeters, although they are generally shorter in females.
Despite their menacing appearance, babirusas are herbivores, feeding on a diet mainly consisting of roots, fruits, and other plant matter. These omnivorous animals primarily reside in dense rainforests and swamps, where they utilize their elongated snouts to excavate food from the forest floor. Babirusas typically live in small groups or solitary individuals and have been culturally significant to the indigenous people of Sulawesi. Due to habitat loss and hunting pressures, many babirusa populations are considered threatened or endangered, making their conservation of crucial importance.
Common Misspellings for BABIRUSA
- vabirusa
- nabirusa
- habirusa
- gabirusa
- bzbirusa
- bsbirusa
- bwbirusa
- bqbirusa
- bavirusa
- banirusa
- bahirusa
- bagirusa
- baburusa
- babjrusa
- babkrusa
- baborusa
- bab9rusa
- bab8rusa
- babiruda
- vbabirusa
Etymology of BABIRUSA
The word "babirusa" comes from two Malay words: "babi" meaning pig, and "rusa" meaning deer. When combined, the term refers to the "deer-pig" or "pig-deer". This name was given to the babirusa due to its unique appearance, which combines features of both pigs and deer.
Similar spelling words for BABIRUSA
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