Dwarf buffalo face extinct

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)