| Tamaraw | ||||||||||||||||
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| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||||
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| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||||
| Bubalus mindorensis |
The tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis previously Anoa mindorensis) or Mindoro dwarf buffalo is a bovine that is endemic to the island of Mindoro in the Philippines -- it is believed, however, to have once also thrived on the greater island of Luzon. It was originally found all over Mindoro, from sea level up to the mountains, but has since been forced by human habitation, hunting, and logging to strive in only a few remote grassy plains. Consequently, the tamaraw is now an endangered species.
Contrary to common belief and past classification, the tamaraw is not a subspecies of the local carabao, which is only slightly larger, or the Asiatic water buffalo. In contrast to the carabao, it has a number of distinguishing characteristics: it is slightly hairier, has light markings on its face, is not gregarious, and has shorter horns that are somewhat V-shaped.
The tamaraw is considered a national symbol of the Philippines. An image of the tamaraw could be found on the 1980 to early 1990 one-Peso coins.