Chester Zoo has announced the birth of Mentari, a rare anoa dwarf buffalo born on June 27 after mum Darcy's ten-month pregnancy. The calf, described as the world's smallest buffalo, stands just 50cm tall and weighs just 7kg - about the height of a traffic cone.
A tiny arrival with a big future
Mentari could eventually grow to weigh up to 300kg (47st) and stand a metre tall when fully grown. Adorable pictures show the calf taking her first steps while being watched by proud mum Darcy.
Emma Evison, Team Manager at the zoo, said: "Mum Darcy and her new baby are doing brilliantly. After spending her first couple of weeks bonding with mum in the safety of their cosy den, the little one has grown in strength and confidence and is now beginning to explore the outside world. She's already showing plenty of personality and seeing her take those first steps outside is a real privilege - it's something very few people will ever get the chance to witness. Every anoa birth is hugely important for the future of this endangered species."
An endangered species
Only 2,500 anoa are thought to be remaining in the wild, and the species is listed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Lowland anoa are found in the forests and swamps of a single Indonesian island, Sulawesi, and their numbers are dwindling thanks to poachers and habitat loss.
The species is considered the smallest buffalo, while wild water buffalo are four times bigger at 2m (6.6ft) tall and weighing up to 1,200kg.
Global conservation effort
Chester Zoo is also part of a wider global partnership working to secure a future for anoas. Amy Humphreys, South East Asia field conservationist, said: "Our aim is to make sure the precious genetic diversity of these amazing animals is not lost forever. To do this, our plans include scientific monitoring of anoas, new local education programmes in Indonesia, raising global awareness of the threats anoas face, and coordinating conservation breeding programmes. This new calf, born as part of that international effort, will now go on to play an important role in protecting the future of her species."
