Rare 'deer-pig' born at UK zoo offers hope for species found only on four Indonesian islands

The U.K.'s Chester Zoo welcomed Rana, a rare baby babirusa whose significance goes beyond her small size. 

The "deer-pig" may help support the future of a species nearing extinction.

What happened?

As the zoo reported in its announcement of Rana's birth, the International Union for Conservation of Nature considers babirusas vulnerable to extinction. The species exists only on four small islands in Indonesia, Sula, Buru, Sulawesi, and Togian.

Wild babirusas are under increasing pressure. One of the threats is African swine fever, which reportedly reached the islands about five years ago, raising concern that the animals could soon be classified as critically endangered.

Another serious threat is habitat loss due to extensive commercial logging. Poaching has also decreased their numbers.

Why does it matter?

Because babirusas usually have only one or two piglets at a time, each birth can be especially meaningful for the species. 

"We are in a race against time to understand what's happening to the population," Amy Humphreys, the field program coordinator at the Chester Zoo, said. "Babirusas are important to island ecosystems as they drop seeds as they forage, helping forest regeneration, and they are a key indicator species for overall ecosystem health, but their situation is bleak."

Conservation breeding, including the program that resulted in Rana's birth, can buy time for species facing serious pressures in the wild. When animal populations are small, every successful birth can support survival planning and preserve genetic diversity.

"We risk losing a truly unique species, one that's an important part of Indonesia's cultural and natural heritage and one of the oldest pig species still living," Humphreys explained in the announcement. "Because of all this, Rana's arrival is worth celebrating. Her birth is a chance to shine a light on babirusas and show people why they deserve protection."

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