Habitat:

Dense forest and bamboo jungles in Asia and countries such as Indochina, Borneo, Java, and the Malay Peninsula.

Description:

Mature males have a blue-black coat in colour, while females and juveniles are reddish brown with a dark dorsal stripe. The build is slightly smaller to that of domestic cattle, with a rather slender neck and small head. The horns of females are short, tightly curved and point inward at the tips, whereas the males have long, upwardly arching horns connected by a horn-like bald patch on the forehead. Both sexes have the characteristics of white ‘stockings’ on their lower legs, a white rump and muzzle, and white spots above the eyes. A gentle hump exists above the shoulders, and a slight ridge runs along the back. They can stand at approximately 1.55m at the shoulder and weigh from between 600 – 800kgs.

Status:

Endangered

Interesting facts:

• Banteng means “old bull” in Indonesian and are also referred to as Bali cattle.
• Group Structure: Banteng live in herds of 2 to 40 animals, usually led by an older cow and a single mature male.
• The male’s horns can grow up to 75cm in length.
• Diet: Banteng graze and browse mainly feeding on grasses, bamboo, leaves, fruits and young branches of woody shrubs, depending upon the season and availability.
• Where human activity is predominant Banteng usually adopt a nocturnal lifestyle except when kept in captivity where their safety is assured.
• Members of a herd will thump the ground with their front hooves if they are threatened and snort when alarmed.
• Banteng are very social and often are observed licking each other, strengthening the bond with the other individuals in the herd.
• Only known wild population of Banteng exist solely in the Coburg Peninsula in the Northern Territory, the first Banteng were introduced to Australia in 1849.
• Lifespan: 20 - 26 years.