The tamaraw, also known as the Mindoro dwarf buffalo (Bubalus mindorensis), is a diminutive member of the Bovidae family. Endemic solely to the island of Mindoro in the Philippines, it holds the distinction of being the only indigenous bovine species in the country. While historical records suggest its presence on the larger island of Luzon, today it remains confined to a handful of remote grassy plains on Mindoro, a consequence of human encroachment, hunting pressures, and deforestation. Regrettably, these factors have propelled the tamaraw to the brink of extinction, earning it a status of critical endangerment.

Despite popular misconceptions and earlier taxonomic classifications, the tamaraw stands apart from both the water buffalo and its slightly larger relative, the carabao. Distinguished by its relatively denser coat, light facial markings, solitary nature, and shorter, somewhat V-shaped horns, it occupies a unique niche within the bovine taxonomy. Second in size only to the carabao among the Philippines’ native land mammals, the tamaraw holds a significant ecological and cultural importance within its limited range.

Etymology and Taxonomic History

The presence of B. mindorensis on the island of Mindoro, along with the discovery of fossil bubalids on other islands across the archipelago, suggests that the family was once widely distributed throughout the Philippines. Fossil findings from the 20th century even indicate that B. mindorensis roamed the northern Philippine island of Luzon during the Pleistocene period.

Belonging to the family Bovidae, the tamaraw’s close relationship with the water buffalo (B. bubalis) has been confirmed through numerous studies. It was previously classified as a subspecies of B. bubalis (Anoa bubalis mindorensis), reflecting its evolutionary connection. Recent genetic analyses further support this relationship among family members.

The tamaraw was initially labeled as Anoa mindorensis by French zoologist Pierre Marie Heude in 1888. In 1958, it was reclassified as Anoa bubalis mindorensis, considered a subspecies of the water buffalo (Anoa bubalis). However, in 1969, it was granted species status as Anoa mindorensis.

Subsequent research revealed that the genus Anoa belonged within the genus Bubalus. Thus, the tamaraw’s scientific name was updated to its current form, Bubalus mindorensis (sometimes referred to as Bubalus (Bubalus) mindorensis).

The term “tamaraw” has various iterations, including tamarau, tamarou, and tamarao. It is speculated that the term may have derived from “tamadaw,” a possible alternative name for the banteng (Bos javanicus).

Anatomy and Morphology

B. mindorensis exhibits the typical characteristics of its family, with a sturdy, bovine body, cloven hooves, and a small, horned head atop a short neck. It is smaller and more compact than the water buffalo (B. bubalis). While little sexual dimorphism is observed, males typically have thicker necks.

Adult tamaraws typically stand at a shoulder height of 100–105 cm (39–41 in) and measure 2.2 m (7.2 ft) in length, with an additional 60 cm (24 in) for the tail. Reported weights range from 180 to 300 kg (400 to 660 lb).

Their appearance is characterized by a dark brown to grayish color, with more hair compared to B. bubalis. White markings are present on the hooves and inner lower forelegs, resembling those of the anoa (B. depressicornis). The face matches the body color, with gray-white stripes from the inner eye corners to the horns. The nose and lips are black, and the ears measure 13.5 cm (5.3 in) in length, with white markings on the inside.

Both males and females possess short, black horns that grow in a V-shaped manner, differing from the C-shaped horns of B. bubalis. The horns, measuring 35.5 to 51.0 cm (14.0 to 20.1 in) in length, have flat surfaces and triangular bases, displaying signs of wear due to regular rubbing.

The Tamaraw: A Species on the Brink

The Bubalus mindorensis, or the Tamaraw, represents a rare and entirely endemic mammalian species, standing as an emblem of vulnerability. Classified as critically endangered since 2000 by the IUCN Red List of endangered species, its plight has garnered attention since 1965 when its conservation status was first acknowledged as inadequately known by the IUCN. By 1986, comprehensive data allowed the IUCN to declare the species as endangered, a status it has retained through successive surveys in 1988, 1990, 1994, and 1996.

The decline of the Tamaraw population can be attributed to a myriad of factors. The island’s burgeoning human population has increasingly encroached upon the species’ habitat, subjecting it to severe anthropogenic pressures. Additionally, the introduction of non-native cattle in the 1930s triggered a devastating rinderpest epidemic among the Tamaraw population. Hunting for sustenance, coupled with habitat loss due to infrastructure development, logging, and agriculture, have further diminished their numbers.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Philippine laws and organizations have been established for Tamaraw conservation. Commonwealth Act No. 73 in 1936 imposed strict penalties for hunting and killing Tamaraws. Subsequently, in 1979, an executive order formed a committee dedicated to their conservation. The Tamaraw Conservation Project, initiated in the same year, has seen limited success, including the breeding of a Tamaraw named “Kali” in captivity in 1999. Republic Act 9147, enacted in 2001, aimed at protecting Tamaraws from hunting and sale.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist. The small subpopulation within the confines of the Mt. Iglit Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary on Mindoro faces ongoing threats. International efforts, reflected in its listing on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, prohibit commercial trade in Tamaraws and their derivatives. However, illegal poaching continues to pose a significant threat to their survival.

With dwindling numbers, the Tamaraw’s conservation remains a priority. Presidential Proclamation 273 in 2002 designated October as a “Special Month for the Conservation and Protection of the Tamaraw in Mindoro.” Despite concerted efforts, as of April 2019, the Tamaraw population at Mounts Iglit-Baco National Park in Occidental Mindoro showed a decline, indicating the ongoing challenges in preserving this critically endangered species.

Economic and Cultural Significance

While not subjected to extensive exploitation compared to other endangered large mammals, the tamaraw population has faced harvesting pressure from subsistence hunters, a phenomenon noted in the IUCN’s 2006 Red List report.

Despite the carabao holding the distinction of being the national animal of the Philippines, the tamaraw also holds significant national symbolism. Its image graced the Flora and Fauna Series 1 peso coin, circulated from 1983 to 1994.

In 2004, Proclamation No. 692 designated October 1 as a special working holiday in Occidental Mindoro province. Aligned with Tamaraw Conservation Month, the proclamation aimed to underscore the importance of tamaraw conservation and environmental preservation to the people of Mindoro.

During the rise of the Asian utility vehicle trend in the 1990s, Toyota Motors Philippines introduced the Toyota Kijang as the Tamaraw FX, a modern iteration of the Tamaraw AUV. Widely favored by taxi operators, it quickly became a ubiquitous mode of transportation, akin to a hybrid of the taxi and the jeepney. The FX later evolved into the Revo model. Moreover, the tamaraw serves as the mascot for the varsity teams of the Far Eastern University (FEU Tamaraws) in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and for the Toyota Tamaraws of the Philippine Basketball Association.

The Tamaraw Falls in Barangay Villaflor, Puerto Galera, were also named in honor of this bovine species.