As a rare, endemic mammal on a relatively secluded island, the
ecology of the tamaraw is largely unknown. Individuals of the species
are reclusive and shy away from humans. In addition, the small sizes of
the species' subpopulations, already spread thin throughout their
fragmented range (on 1986, about 51 individuals are found in a 20 square
kilometer area),
[12] make contact with any more than a solitary individual a rarity.
Habitat
Bubalus mindorensis prefers
tropical highland forested
areas. It is typically found in thick brush, near open-canopied glades
where it may graze and feed on grasses. Since human habitation and
subsequent forest fragmentation of their home island of
Mindoro, the habitat preferences of the tamaraw have somewhat expanded to
lower-altitude grassy plains. Within their mountainous environment, tamaraws will usually be found not far from sources of water.
[3][8] They have to live by water so they can drink. They live in moist areas such as, marshy areas, and grasslands.
Trophic ecology
The tamaraw is a
grazer that feeds on grasses and young
bamboo shoots although it is known to prefer
cogon grass and wild sugarcane (
Saccharum spontaneum). They are naturally
diurnal, feeding during the daytime hours; however, daytime human activities have recently forced select
B. mindorensis individuals to be
nocturnal to avoid human contact.
[4]
Life history
The
tamaraw is known to live for about 20 years, with an estimated lifespan
of about 25. The adult female tamaraw gives birth to one offspring
after a gestation period of about 300 days.
[13] There is an interbirth interval of two years, although one female has been sighted with three
juveniles. The calf stays for 2–4 years with its mother before becoming independent.
[4]
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