Quick answer
IUCN status: EndangeredLowland anoa at a glance
The lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis) is a mammal in the family Bovidae. Range in Indonesia: Sulawesi and Buton. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in Sulawesi and Buton Island. Diet: varied plant material; a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Endangered. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Bubalus depressicornis |
|---|---|
| Former scientific name | Anoa depressicornis |
| Indonesian name | Anoa dataran rendah |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Bovidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Sulawesi and Buton |
| Linked habitats | Tropical Rainforests, Freshwater Wetlands |
| Diet | Varied plant material |
| Range | Endemic to Indonesia |
| Relative | Mountain anoa |
| IUCN status | Endangered · IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group — Anoa |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 9 |
| Body size | Anoa are the smallest wild cattle; 150–300 kg, head-body length 1.22–1.88 m · IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group — Anoa |
| Population estimate | Fewer than 2,500 mature individuals per species; no single population above 250 mature individuals · IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group — Anoa |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — plant-eater: aquatic plants, ferns, grasses, saplings and fallen fruit · Animal Diversity Web |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · Animal Diversity Web |
| Active | Cathemeral (active irregularly by day and night) — Most active in early morning and late afternoon, but more nocturnal where hunted. · Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Vol. 2 Hoofed Mammals (Wilson & Mittermeier eds., Lynx Edicions 2011), Bovidae: Bubalus depressicornis (Anoa) account (Plazi treatment) |
| Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — Sulawesi and Buton Island · IUCN Red List |
In this guide (11)
Distinguishing two anoa names
This profile uses Bubalus depressicornis for lowland anoa, distinct from Bubalus quarlesi. The specialist group notes continuing debate over anoa taxonomy. Do not assign species from elevation or a single photograph alone; the names lowland and mountain are not a complete identification key.
Evidence: IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group — Anoa ↗
Forest with access to water
ESABII records lowland anoa in primary, secondary, swamp and mangrove forests. Its account of habitat selection linked to water and food plants cites Mustari’s 2003 study at Tanjung Peropa in Southeast Sulawesi. That local finding helps explain resource needs but does not measure every anoa population’s preferences.
Evidence: Japan Ministry of the Environment ESABII — Lowland anoa ↗
Wild cattle with a different social pattern
Adult anoa often live alone, while calves stay with their mothers. This differs from the familiar picture of domestic cattle herds. Wallows and mineral sources can concentrate activity, so several animals at one site do not necessarily form a permanent herd.
Evidence: IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group — Anoa ↗
Hunting and habitat are connected
The ESABII synthesis links anoa decline to hunting and habitat loss while noting inadequate abundance data. Much of its evidence is older; the page is not a 2026 census. PanduanHewan recommends supporting field protection and clearly dated surveys so local trends are not inferred from an old map or figure.
Evidence: Japan Ministry of the Environment ESABII — Lowland anoa ↗
Learn through conservation networks
Action Indonesia links expertise for anoa, banteng, and babirusa. They share some conservation needs but have different biology. Use the related profiles to compare herbivores and omnivores without assuming every hoofed mammal follows the same way of life.
Evidence: Action Indonesia — Species management programmes ↗
Explore related habitats
These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.
Scientific classification of the Lowland anoa
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Artiodactyla |
| Family | Bovidae |
| Genus | Bubalus |
| Species | Bubalus depressicornis |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the lowland anoa
What is the scientific name of the lowland anoa?
The scientific name of the lowland anoa is Bubalus depressicornis, in the family Bovidae. In Indonesian it is called Anoa dataran rendah. A former scientific name still often used: Anoa depressicornis.
What kind of animal is the lowland anoa?
The lowland anoa is a mammal in the family Bovidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a plant-eater: aquatic plants, ferns, grasses, saplings and fallen fruit. It is also endemic to Indonesia.
Where does the lowland anoa live in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, this guide records the lowland anoa in: Sulawesi and Buton.
The lowland anoa is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in Sulawesi and Buton Island. Source: IUCN Red List.
Source-supported habitats: Tropical Rainforests, Freshwater Wetlands.
What does the lowland anoa eat?
Diet of the lowland anoa: varied plant material. That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
How does the lowland anoa reproduce?
The lowland anoa reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
Is the lowland anoa nocturnal?
The cited source records the lowland anoa as cathemeral (active irregularly by day and night). Most active in early morning and late afternoon, but more nocturnal where hunted. Source: Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Vol. 2 Hoofed Mammals (Wilson & Mittermeier eds., Lynx Edicions 2011), Bovidae: Bubalus depressicornis (Anoa) account (Plazi treatment).
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What are the main features of the lowland anoa?
Key features of the lowland anoa, from this guide’s sources: Body size: Anoa are the smallest wild cattle; 150–300 kg, head-body length 1.22–1.88 m.
How big is the lowland anoa?
Body size: Anoa are the smallest wild cattle; 150–300 kg, head-body length 1.22–1.88 m. Source: IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group — Anoa.
How large is the population of the lowland anoa?
Fewer than 2,500 mature individuals per species; no single population above 250 mature individuals. Source: IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group — Anoa. Wild population figures are estimates and can differ between surveys.
What is the scientific classification of the lowland anoa?
Scientific classification of the lowland anoa: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Artiodactyla, family Bovidae, genus Bubalus, species Bubalus depressicornis.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the lowland anoa endangered?
Yes. The global conservation status of the lowland anoa: Endangered. In the IUCN system, this category means it is considered to face a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group — Anoa.
This global category is separate from national legal protection. Is the lowland anoa protected in Indonesia?
Is the lowland anoa protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis) 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 (annex, entry 9).
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.
Can the lowland anoa be kept as a pet?
No. Because the lowland anoa 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.
Compare with similar animals
Sources & references
- IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group — Anoa ↗
- Japan Ministry of the Environment ESABII — Lowland anoa ↗
- Action Indonesia — Species management programmes ↗
- Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- IUCN Red List ↗
- Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Vol. 2 Hoofed Mammals (Wilson & Mittermeier eds., Lynx Edicions 2011), Bovidae: Bubalus depressicornis (Anoa) account (Plazi treatment) ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Further reading
Anoa: facts, threats and conservation ↗ — World Animal Rescue Network. A broader overview that covers this animal.
Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network.
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis). Last substantive update: 7 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lowland-anoa/