The babiroussa or babyroussa (in Indonesian meaning hog-stag) is a ferocious wild pig found in Sulawesi. The babiroussa's behaviour differs from typical pigs in various ways. It does not dig holes in the ground in search of roots or worms, but rather feeds on fruit fallen from the trees or larva nesting in fallen tree-trunks. Unlike typical pigs the female gives birth to only one or two offspring, and these grow slowly. From the outside of the upper jaw spring two teeth 30 cm long, curving upwards and backwards like horns, and almost touching the forehead. The tusks of the lower jaw also appear externally, though they are not so long as those of the upper jaw. Along the back are some weak bristles, and on the rest of the body only a sort of wool. These animals live in herds, are sometimes tamed, and their flesh is well flavoured. Research Babiroussa
The pig (hog or swine) is a hoofed woodland mammal of the genus Sus, of the suidae family. The head is prolonged into a pointed snout. The feet have four toes, two of which reach the ground and the skin is very thick, and mostly covered with stiff bristles.
The prevailing colour of the domestic pig is a dull yellowish white, sometimes marked irregularly with black, and sometimes totally black. It is omnivorous in its habits, devouring almost any vegetable or animal substance. It is also very prolific, has usually two litters in a year, a litter consisting of from ten to even twenty piglets.
Pigs are very alert, co-operative and inquisitive animals, in the wild found in forests, particularly Beech forests, where they dig around in the forestlitter with their sensitive snout. Domesticated pigs will co-operate, with piglets organising structured raiding parties, with lookouts, on stocks of foodstuffs given the opportunity. Pigs communicate, both with each other and with other animals. While not aggressive, adult pigs will defend themelves against perceived threats, but will issue warning grunts before attacking.
The flesh of the pig, called pork, takes salt better than almost any other meat, and hence traditionally formed an important article in military and naval stores. The lard of the pig is used in a variety of preparations, and the bristles are used in large quantities in the manufacture of brushes, whilst the skin, when tanned, is used by saddlers, bookbinders, etc..
Pigs wallow in mud and mire, not through a desire to get dirty, but through a peculiarity of all the pachydermata to cool themselves and provide a protection against insects. The wild-boar, from which most of our domesticated varieties are derived, is found in most parts of Europe and Asia. In size the wild animal considerably exceeds the domesticated pig, the legs are longer and more muscular, and the back therefore much higher. Hunting this animal has long been a favourite amusement, and can still be practised in various parts of Europe. The wild hogs of Hindustan, which formerly afforded the amusement of 'pig-sticking' to the British residents there, belongs to the species Sus cristatus, closely allied to the European wild-boar. Another species is found in south-eastern Asia, Java, and various islands, and distinct from it is the Guineahog of West Africa, which is also said to have been naturalized in Brazil. As allied to the pig may be mentioned the Babiroussa, the genus Phacochoerus, or wart-hogs, and the peccaries. Research Pig
Sulawesi (Celebes) is one of the Sunda Islands, in Indonesia. It is one of the larger islands of the Indian Archipelago, lying between Borneo on the west and the Moluccas on the east It consists mainly of four large peninsulas stretching to the east and south, and separated by three deep gulfs; covering a total area of about 54,000 square miles. No part of the island is more than 70 miles from the sea.
Sulawesi is mountainous chiefly in the centre and the north, where there are several active volcanoes. It has also broad grassy plains and extensive forests. Gold is found in all the valleys of the north peninsula, which abounds in sulphur. Copper occurs at various points, and in Macassar tin also. Diamonds and other precious stones are found. The island is entirely destitute of feline or canine animals, insectivora, the elephant, rhinoceros, and tapir (though these are found in Borneo); but it has the antelopean buffalo (Anoa), the spiral-tusked pig (Babiroussa), etc. Marsupial animals are represented by the cuscus, an opossum-like animal with a prehensile tail. Among the trees are the oak, teak, cedar, upas, bamboo, etc.
Traditionally, the maritime districts were inhabited by Malays; the Peninsula of Macassar being occupied by Bugis and Macassars. Mandhars dwelt in the west of the island, and the mountainous regions in the interior, especially in the north were inhabited by Alfoories. The three great languages of the island, not reckoning the dialects of the indigenous tribes, are those of the Bugis, the Macassars, and the Mandhars. The ancient Bugi is the language of science and religion. The Bugis have a considerable body of literature.
Sulawesi was first visited by the Portuguese in 1512, but no factory was established by them there until a few years later. In 1660 Macassar was taken by the Dutch, the southern portion of the island put under Dutch rule, and the Portuguese expelled. In 1683 the northern part likewise fell into their hands. The island was conquered by the British in 1811, but a few years later it was again given up to the Dutch, in whose possession remained until the 20th century. Research Sulawesi
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Abbreviations
Research Babiroussa
