Are there Banteng at Whipsnade Zoo?
Whipsnade is home to four female banteng who live in the Passage through Asia drive through alongside various deer species including Pere David's deer and white-lipped deer.
What does a Banteng look like and how is it adapted to its habitat?
Adult bull banteng are generally dark brown/black with females being a pale brown/red chestnut red colour, both males and female have white patches on their rump and white socks up their legs. Both sexes have horns with the female being significantly smaller that the bulls.
What do they eat?
Banteng are herbivores feeding on vegetation such as grasses, herbs, sedges, leaves, flowers and wild fruits.
What threats do they face in the wild?
With a dramatic decline over the last 20 years, the species' numbers have plummeted due to illegal hunting and habitat loss. The current total global population of banteng is estimated at approximately 3,300 (2,475–4,900) and they are Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Habitat loss has resulted in fragmented populations with this being the primary concern for the future viability of the species.