the rare and enigmatic Babirusa (Babyrousa celebensis)

Perhaps in possession of some of the most bizarre tusks in the animal kingdom, the rare and enigmatic Babirusa (Babyrousa celebensis) is the inspiration for many Indonesian folk tales. Some biologists have argued that these unique animals, which are endemic to the island of Sulawesi, are possibly more closely related to hippos than to pigs. This adult male was photographed from a hide as it cautiously ventured into a clearing to drink the mineral-rich water of a natural salt lick.