Borneo Tembadau- The Wild Cattle of the Swamps
Tembadau and banteng are the interchangeable names for the same cattle species. And they can be found in the interiors & south east regions of Sabah.
Banteng
To the city boys or gals (we are living in the gender equality age now) this animal would be an exotic species as we hardly come across them in our daily life. Purportedly they are the second largest land mammal in Sabah, though I cannot confirm with this. In close up they look the same size as the water buffalo I have seen wondering all over Sabah.
The Sexual Revolution Cattle
Dimorphism is the name of the sexual game in this species of cattle. Males are readily distinguishable by their larger size and the blue-black colour coat (I may add maybe the horns as well). while the females and the young are of the chestnut dominant colour. Let’s face it, I could have easily mistaken the females to be that of the Indian cows. Oh, you cows!
Hmm... That's A Tempt-licious Cameraman Right In Front
Unless you are an Indiana Jones type, I would recommend that you visit the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park to get to know this animal better. To trek through the interiors of Sabah would entail you having your own transport with a 4-wheel off-road vehicle as your main mode of travel.
Banteng are an endangered species according to the Wikipedia. This may actually apply only to the Burma Banteng version.
