# Banteng

> An Asian wild cattle species related to Bali cattle. Its global status changed to Critically Endangered in 2024, underlining the need to protect wild populations.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/banteng/ · Updated 7 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/banteng/
_This Markdown mirror is generated at build time from the same data as the HTML page. Cite the HTML page URL and its update date._

**Review status:** Approved by team on 2026-10-07. Approval covers this version’s narrative, facts, quick answers and recorded locations in both languages.

## Quick answer

The banteng (*Bos javanicus*) is a mammal in the family Bovidae. Range in Indonesia: Java, Bali and Kalimantan. Diet: herbivore; a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Critically Endangered. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Bos javanicus* |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Bovidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Java, Bali and Kalimantan |
| Linked habitats | [Savannas](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/savanna/), [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/) |
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Domestic relative | Bali cattle |
| Feature | Males generally larger and darker |
| IUCN status | Critically Endangered · [IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group — Banteng uplisting](https://www.asianwildcattle.org/news.html) · assessment 2024 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · [Regulation P.106/2018](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) · annex no. 8 |
| Population estimate | About 3,300 (2,475–4,900) worldwide; a decline of more than 80% over two decades · [IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group — Banteng uplisted to Critically Endangered (28 Oct 2024)](https://www.asianwildcattle.org/news.html) |
| Body size | 400–900 kg; 1.2–1.9 m at the shoulder · [IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group — Banteng](https://www.asianwildcattle.org/banteng.html) |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — grazer and browser (grasses and leafy plants) · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Bos_javanicus/) |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/) |
| Active | Cathemeral (active irregularly by day and night) — It becomes more nocturnal where people encroach on its range. · [Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Vol. 2 Hoofed Mammals (Wilson & Mittermeier eds., Lynx Edicions 2011), Bovidae: Bos javanicus account (Plazi treatment)](https://treatment.plazi.org/GgServer/xhtml/03F507139948FFF303ABFE8AF6C9FA2B) |

## Wild cattle and their domestic relatives

Banteng are the wild ancestors of Bali cattle. Large domestic-cattle numbers do not mean wild banteng populations are secure. Conservation needs to retain wild populations and diversity, distinguishing that work from livestock husbandry and crossbreeding issues around habitat.

Evidence: [IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group — Banteng biology](https://www.asianwildcattle.org/banteng.html)

## Forest and open feeding areas

A study at Rowobendo, Alas Purwo, published in 2011 found selection for savanna and use of coastal and swamp forest. A modelling study in Sabah, Malaysia, highlighted forest, including logged forest. These different contexts show why one habitat type or study site cannot define every banteng population’s requirements.

Evidence: [Purnomo and Pudyatmoko — Banteng habitat selection at Rowobendo, 2011](https://ojs.uajy.ac.id/index.php/biota/article/view/55) · [Oryx — Bornean banteng habitat and movement resistance in Sabah](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/oryx/article/identifying-habitat-and-understanding-movement-resistance-for-the-endangered-bornean-banteng-bos-javanicus-lowi-in-sabah-malaysia/986957BADBC92EFB806C7F987688D563)

## Herds and differences between sexes

Females often form groups with young, while males may be solitary or in male groups. Size and colour generally differ between sexes. When observing a herd, do not treat the largest animal as the only clue to social structure; repeated observations offer a better understanding.

Evidence: [IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group — Banteng biology](https://www.asianwildcattle.org/banteng.html)

## A status update that matters

The specialist group announced a change to Critically Endangered in October 2024, although its older profile still says Endangered. Drivers include hunting and habitat loss. This demonstrates why update dates matter; this guide follows the verified newer announcement rather than the old badge.

Evidence: [IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group — October 2024 status update](https://www.asianwildcattle.org/news.html)

## Protecting herbivores supports ecosystems

Banteng function as herbivores and prey for carnivores. The specialist group’s 2024 announcement distinguishes global decline from protection outcomes in Thailand and several Javan national parks. It is not a new 2026 survey. PanduanHewan recommends sustained monitoring and observing the distances required by site managers.

Evidence: [IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group — October 2024 status update](https://www.asianwildcattle.org/news.html)

## Scientific classification of the Banteng

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Artiodactyla |
| Family | Bovidae |
| Genus | *Bos* |
| Species | *Bos javanicus* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the banteng

### What is the scientific name of the banteng?

The scientific name of the banteng is *Bos javanicus*, in the family Bovidae.

### What kind of animal is the banteng?

The banteng is a mammal in the family Bovidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a grazer and browser (grasses and leafy plants).

### Where does the banteng live in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, this guide records the banteng in: Java, Bali and Kalimantan.

Source-supported habitats: [Savannas](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/savanna/), [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/).

### What does the banteng eat?

Diet of the banteng: herbivore. That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Bos_javanicus/).

### How does the banteng reproduce?

The banteng reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/).

### Is the banteng nocturnal?

The cited source records the banteng as cathemeral (active irregularly by day and night). It becomes more nocturnal where people encroach on its range. Source: [Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Vol. 2 Hoofed Mammals (Wilson & Mittermeier eds., Lynx Edicions 2011), Bovidae: Bos javanicus account (Plazi treatment)](https://treatment.plazi.org/GgServer/xhtml/03F507139948FFF303ABFE8AF6C9FA2B).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What are the main features of the banteng?

Key features of the banteng, from this guide’s sources: Feature: males generally larger and darker; Body size: 400–900 kg; 1.2–1.9 m at the shoulder.

### How big is the banteng?

Body size: 400–900 kg; 1.2–1.9 m at the shoulder. Source: [IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group — Banteng](https://www.asianwildcattle.org/banteng.html).

### How large is the population of the banteng?

About 3,300 (2,475–4,900) worldwide; a decline of more than 80% over two decades. Source: [IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group — Banteng uplisted to Critically Endangered (28 Oct 2024)](https://www.asianwildcattle.org/news.html). Wild population figures are estimates and can differ between surveys.

### What is the scientific classification of the banteng?

Scientific classification of the banteng: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Artiodactyla, family Bovidae, genus *Bos*, species *Bos javanicus*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the banteng endangered?

Yes. The global conservation status of the banteng: Critically Endangered (assessment or source update 2024). In the IUCN system, this category means it is considered to face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: [IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group — Banteng uplisting](https://www.asianwildcattle.org/news.html).

This global category is separate from national legal protection. [Is the banteng protected in Indonesia?](#protected)

### Is the banteng protected in Indonesia?

Yes. The banteng (*Bos javanicus*) is a protected species in Indonesia under [Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) (annex, entry 8).

Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.

If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

### Can the banteng be kept as a pet?

No. Because the banteng is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.

If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

## Sources & references

1. [IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group — Banteng biology](https://www.asianwildcattle.org/banteng.html)
2. [IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group — October 2024 status update](https://www.asianwildcattle.org/news.html)
3. [Purnomo and Pudyatmoko — Banteng habitat selection at Rowobendo, 2011](https://ojs.uajy.ac.id/index.php/biota/article/view/55)
4. [Oryx — Bornean banteng habitat and movement resistance in Sabah](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/oryx/article/identifying-habitat-and-understanding-movement-resistance-for-the-endangered-bornean-banteng-bos-javanicus-lowi-in-sabah-malaysia/986957BADBC92EFB806C7F987688D563)
5. [Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf)
6. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Bos_javanicus/)
7. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/)
8. [Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Vol. 2 Hoofed Mammals (Wilson & Mittermeier eds., Lynx Edicions 2011), Bovidae: Bos javanicus account (Plazi treatment)](https://treatment.plazi.org/GgServer/xhtml/03F507139948FFF303ABFE8AF6C9FA2B)
9. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Further reading

[Banteng: facts, threats and conservation](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/wildlife-guides/banteng/) — World Animal Rescue Network.

_Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network._

## Keep exploring

- [Savannas](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/savanna/)
- [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/)
- [Lowland anoa](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lowland-anoa/)
- [Timor deer](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/timor-deer/)
- [Javan leopard](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/javan-leopard/)
- [Javan mouse-deer](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/javan-mouse-deer/)
- [Southern red muntjac](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/southern-red-muntjac/)
- [Sambar deer](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/sambar-deer/)

---

Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Banteng. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/banteng/