Babirusa << bab uh ROO suh >> is a wild hog of Indonesia. The babirusa has rough, brownish-gray skin that may be wrinkled. The animal is almost hairless, with only a thin covering of white or gray bristles. It has small ears and a short, hairless tail. The male has long upper canine teeth forming tusks that exit through the top of the snout and curve backward to the forehead. The male’s lower canines also form tusks that stick out the sides of the mouth. Females do not have upper tusks and have much shorter lower tusks. Babirusas range in height from 25 to 30 inches (65 to 80 centimeters) and they can weigh up to 200 pounds (90 kilograms). They eat mainly fruits and grasses.
Babirusas have been heavily hunted for food by native people. The animals are considered a threatened species and are protected by law from hunters.
