Dwarf buffalo face extinct

PALU, Central Sulawesi: Tapir and dwarf buffalo, two of Sulawesi's native animals, are on the brink of extinction due to the rapid conversion of their habitats into development projects.

Chief of the local office of conservation Suprapto H.P. said that poaching is also to blame for the dwindling population of dwarf buffalo.

"There is no known best method to breed dwarf buffalo," he told Antara.

Suprapto, a former chief of the East Nusa Tenggara conservation office, said it is easier to breed Komodo dragon.

Dwarf buffalo are very sensitive to environmental change, he said. Besides, their meat is a highly popular delicacy among the locals, he added.

The dwarf buffalo are believed to be prehistoric animals.

Recently several European and American tourists said they were disappointed they could not see a single dwarf buffalo in Central Sulawesi as promised. (pan)