Babirusa: The Wild Pig With Teeth That Pierce Its Snout

Among the world's most unusual wild pigs, the babirusa stands out even before it opens its mouth. In males, two upper canine teeth grow in such an extraordinary way that they pierce through the skin of the snout, point upwards and then curve backwards, sometimes extending towards the animal's own head.

What animal is the babirusa?

The babirusa is a wild pig that lives on Indonesian islands and is recognised for a feature that is almost impossible to miss. Its body resembles that of other pigs, yet adult males grow long canine teeth that appear to emerge straight from the top of the snout.

These teeth give the animal such an unusual look that they are often likened to horns. That impression is misleading, however: they are genuine canine teeth that keep growing along an exceptional path, entirely unlike the tusks seen in most wild pigs.

How do the teeth pierce through the snout?

In males, the upper canines begin growing in an unusual direction until they break through the skin on the upper part of the snout. Once visible on the outside, they continue to lengthen and curve backwards, creating arcs that can move increasingly close to the forehead.

This growth does not mean every individual ends up with enormous tusks. They may become worn down or break during the animal's lifetime. If this does not happen, though, the curve can continue developing, producing the striking sight of teeth growing back towards the animal itself.

Are these huge babirusa tusks used for fighting?

It would be reasonable to assume that such conspicuous structures serve as the males' principal weapons. Behavioural observations, however, make that explanation less straightforward. The upper tusks are comparatively fragile and do not seem well suited to withstanding heavy impacts during fights.

There are still uncertainties about every purpose served by these canine teeth, and several possibilities are considered. What makes the babirusa particularly intriguing is the contrast between the threatening appearance of its tusks and the way males have been observed competing with one another:

• The upper canine teeth pierce the skin of the snout and continue growing externally.
• The tusks curl backwards and can extend towards the forehead if they are not worn down.
• The upper teeth do not appear to be especially robust structures for violent combat.
• Males have been observed standing on their hind legs and striking a rival with their forelegs.

Watch the video shared by the YouTube channel ANIMAL TV, showing the animal with teeth that grow until they pierce its own skull.

Why do babirusas appear to be boxing?

During some disputes, males may rise onto their hind legs and use their forelegs against an opponent. The movement creates a scene resembling two animals “boxing”, very different from the tusk-locking confrontation that the babirusa's anatomy might suggest at first glance.

This does not mean the teeth never play a part in interactions between the animals, but it indicates that the large upper tusks are not necessarily their main weapon. Their precise role may involve display, competition or other factors that continue to interest researchers.

Why is this wild pig so surprising?

The babirusa combines two traits that seem contradictory. On one hand, it has canine teeth capable of breaking through its own skin and forming huge curves above its head. On the other, its fighting behaviour may see males use their forelegs rather than turn those remarkable tusks into their primary weapons.

The next time an animal's appearance seems to reveal exactly how it survives or fights, it is worth taking another look. The babirusa demonstrates how evolution can create spectacular structures whose purpose is not as obvious as it appears, while leaving open questions behind one of nature's strangest sets of teeth.