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 Sulawesi Crested Macaque (Macaca nigra) is an endangered species of monkey of the large Macaca genus that also includes the Rhesus Monkey and the Barbary Ape, found only in the tropical rainforests of Sulawesi where it is active during the day, living mainly in the trees but coming to ground in order to travel longer distances. The Sulawesi Crested Macaque is black in colour, with a prominent pink or red coloured bottom which in the female becomes brighter and more swollen as a signal to the male that she is ready to mate, no tail and a stiff crest of hair on the head. The Sulawesi Crested Macaque lives in troops of several dozen animals including numerous adult males. The troop have a social structure, with a dominant older male in charge and mating with the females. Research Sulawesi Crested Macaque More pictures of Sulawesi Crested Macaque
The Toala are an aboriginal tribe in south-west Celebes (Sulawesi), Indonesia. A medium-headed, wavy-haired, thick-lipped people, short, dark, and slender; they represent a primitive Caucasoid type allied to the Vedda and Sakai, with Melanesian elements. Traditionally they inhabited rock-shelters and were unprogressive hunters, using stone knives and arrow-heads, and bone lance-heads and whistles. Research Toala
Corocore is a name applied to various forms of boat of Indonesia. That used in Sulawesi is propelled by oars, and is often manned with sixty men. Others, as those used in the Moluccas, are masted vessels. Research Corocore
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
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Babiroussa
