№ 58 of 100
Tamaraw
Bubalus mindorensis
A dwarf buffalo found only on Mindoro Island — 10,000 once roamed; rinderpest and rifles left a few hundred.
- Range
- Philippines
- Region
- Asia
- Habitat
- Grassland-forest mosaic of Mounts Iglit-Baco, Mindoro Island
The story
The tamaraw is the Philippines' largest endemic land animal, a compact buffalo with V-shaped horns. Joint patrols by rangers and Indigenous Tau-Buid communities protect their core grassland, where annual counts have climbed steadily past 600.
What's killing them
- Historic hunting and disease
- Habitat loss to farming
- Confinement to a fraction of former range
Who's fighting for them
Re:wildRe:wild — Global Wildlife Conservation
IUCN Red ListInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — Species Survival Commission
WWFWorld Wide Fund for Nature
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Quick answers
How many Tamaraws are left in the world?
Approximately ~600. The Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and their population trend is recovering. Figures are estimates compiled from the IUCN Red List and conservation organisations.
Where does the Tamaraw live?
The Tamaraw is found in Philippines (Asia). Their habitat: Grassland-forest mosaic of Mounts Iglit-Baco, Mindoro Island.
Why is the Tamaraw endangered?
The main threats to the Tamaraw are: Historic hunting and disease; Habitat loss to farming; Confinement to a fraction of former range.
Who is working to save the Tamaraw?
Organisations working on Tamaraw conservation include Re:wild — Global Wildlife Conservation; International Union for Conservation of Nature — Species Survival Commission; World Wide Fund for Nature.