Mountain Anoa

The mountain anoa (Bubalus quarlesi) also known as Quarles anoa, belongs to dwarf buffalo endemic to Sulawesi. Its closest relative is the lowland anoa, and it is still a debate as to whether the two are the same species or not. It is also related to the water buffalo, which is also in the genus Bubalus. Skulls of anoa cannot be accurately identified as to species, and there is likely hybridizing and interbreeding between the mountain anoa and lowland anoa in the zoo population. (Wikipedia, general species account).

A study of the mtDNA of ten specimens from different localities found a high mitochondrial genetic diversity between individuals identified as one or the other species, indicating support for recognition as two species. Both anoa species are found on the island of Sulawesi and the nearby island of Buton in Indonesia and live in undisturbed rainforest areas. It is a debate as to whether the two species are different due to them occurring together in many different areas, as well as interbreeding in some areas. (Wikipedia, general species account).