Banteng
Bos javanicus javanicus
Banteng are a species of Southeast Asian wild cattle, easily spotted by their distinctive white ‘stockings’. In the wild, banteng are found in countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. They are already extinct in India, Bangladesh and Brunei.
Banteng play a more important role than you might think - they help circulate nutrients through ecosystems, disperse seeds via their poo, and maintain food chains.
Unfortunately, fewer than 8,000 banteng are believed to remain in the wild and it is estimated that the population has declined by more than 50% over the past 21 years. The main threats to the species are habitat loss and unsustainable hunting for their meat and horns. Where human settlements overlap with banteng ranges the genetic integrity of the species is threatened by hybridisation as a result of interbreeding with domestic cattle. In these areas, parasites and diseases carried by domesticated cattle can also pose a threat to wild banteng populations. Reintroductions of juvenile, captive-bred bantengs are currently being monitored in areas of Thailand where they were previously extinct.
We are currently home to four banteng. One male, Struan and three females, Kiley, Kartika and Raya.
Population
Decreasing
Diet
Herbivore
Habitat
Grasslands
Fact file
Banteng are also known as the tembadau
They are found throughout south east Asia including Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam
The banteng is the second endangered species to be successfully cloned, following the cloning of the gaur
Banteng are part of the Bovidae family, which they share with bison and buffalo
As large grazers, they play a vital role in their ecosystem by disturbing plant life, allowing new plants to grow, and composting nutrients into the soil
Banteng are social animals, living in herds of up to 40 animals
How we're helping
Like all the animals in our care Struan, Kiley, Kartika and Raya are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and helps hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.
As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the zoo and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health, to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.
Find out more about RZSS conservation