What is "anoa"

Anoa \A*noa"\, n. [Native name.] (Zo["o]l.) A small wild ox of Celebes ( Anoa depressicornis), allied to the buffalo, but having long nearly straight horns.

n. Either of (taxlink Bubalus quarlesi species noshow=1) or (taxlink Bubalus depressicornis species noshow=1), being a small Indonesian water buffalo similar in appearance to a deer.

n. small buffalo of the Celebes having small straight horns [syn: dwarf buffalo, Anoa depressicornis]

''This article refers to the animal. For the Indonesian-made military vehicle, see Anoa (armoured personnel carrier).

Anoa, also known as midget buffalo and sapiutan, are a subgenus of Bubalus comprising two species native to Indonesia: the mountain anoa (Bubalus quarlesi) and the lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis). Both live in undisturbed rainforest, and are essentially miniature water buffalo. They are similar in appearance to a deer, weighing .

Both are found on the island of Sulawesi and the nearby island of Buton in Indonesia. They apparently live singly or in pairs, rather than in herds like most cattle, except when the cows are about to give birth. One young is born per year.

Both species of anoa have been classified as endangered since the 1960s, and the population continues to decrease. Fewer than 5000 animals of each species likely remain. Reasons for their decline include hunting for hide, horns, and meat by the local peoples and loss of habitat due to the advancement of settlement. Currently, hunting is the more serious factor in most areas.

The Anoa is a 6x6 armoured personnel carrier developed by PT Pindad of Indonesia. The vehicle is named after the Anoa, which is a type of buffalo indigenous to Indonesia. The prototype was first unveiled at the 61st anniversary of TNI on October 5, 2006 in TNI HQ at Cilangkap, east of capital Jakarta. The Anoa resembles the French VAB, which is also in service with Indonesia.