7 Most Common Wild Boar Species Explained (With Pictures & Distribution)

Wild boars include the European wild boar (Sus scrofa), the Indonesian wild boar (Sus scrofa vittatus), and the African warthog (Phacochoerus africanus). Wild boars belong to the Suidae family, and their original range spans Eurasia and Africa. If you have seen wild boars in other parts of the world, it is because they were introduced by humans.

Table of Contents

1. European Wild Boar

2. Indonesian Wild Boar

3. African Warthog

4. Javan Warty Pig

5. Bearded Pig

6. Palawan Bearded Pig

7. Sulawesi Warty Pig

1. European Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)

The European wild boar is the most widely distributed and influential wild pig species, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Due to human introduction, it has established populations in places like Argentina and Chile, often becoming invasive and threatening local ecosystems. This robust mammal is easily recognized by its coarse, dark fur and backward-curving tusks. Females and piglets form large social groups, while adult males are typically solitary. Notably, domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) are descendants of this species.

2. Indonesian Wild Boar (Sus scrofa vittatus)

The Indonesian wild boar, also known as the banded pig, is a subspecies of the Eurasian wild boar found across the Malay Peninsula, Indonesian islands, and the Lesser Sunda Islands. Compared to other boars, it has a more primitive skull, sparse body hair, and a distinct pale mark on its snout. It is highly frugivorous, eating over 50 types of fruit, and plays a crucial role in seed dispersal. In Komodo, it is a primary prey for Komodo dragons.

3. African Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus)

The African warthog is a native species to sub-Saharan Africa, commonly found in savannas, open shrublands, and woodlands. Compact in build with a short snout and gray to reddish hair, the warthog is omnivorous, eating everything from fruits, bulbs, and herbs to fungi, invertebrates, and small mammals. It is a strong digger with an acute sense of smell, usually living in small groups. The IUCN lists the African warthog as Least Concern.

4. Javan Warty Pig (Sus verrucosus)

The Javan warty pig is endemic to Java and Bawean islands in Indonesia, mainly inhabiting teak plantations, grasslands, and occasionally mangrove remnants. Its most notable features are three pairs of facial warts and a long mane extending from the neck to the back. Sadly, this species is classified as Endangered due to habitat loss and heavy hunting.

5. Bearded Pig (Sus barbatus)

The bearded pig has two subspecies, inhabiting regions such as Sumatra, Malaysia, Singapore, and Borneo. They live in a range of habitats, including rainforests, peat swamps, and mangroves. Bearded pigs are omnivorous, feeding on roots, fungi, invertebrates, seeds, and small animals, with a special preference for oil-rich seeds from oaks and dipterocarps. Due to deforestation and habitat fragmentation, the IUCN classifies them as Vulnerable.

6. Palawan Bearded Pig (Sus ahoenobarbus)

Endemic to the Palawan islands of the Philippines, the Palawan bearded pig is found on the main island and several neighboring islands. It inhabits primary and secondary forests and agricultural areas from sea level up to 1,500 meters. Its large size makes it a frequent target for hunting. Despite legal protection, enforcement is weak, so more conservation actions and protected areas are urgently needed.

7. Sulawesi Warty Pig (Sus celebensis)

Native to Sulawesi and adjacent islands in Indonesia, the Sulawesi warty pig occupies diverse habitats, from tropical forests and swamps to grasslands and agricultural fields. Its diet mainly consists of roots, fruits, shoots, as well as invertebrates and small vertebrates. It has been hybridized with domestic pigs, which threatens its genetic integrity. The species faces pressure from hunting and genetic pollution and is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

Summary

These 7 types of wild boars and warthogs demonstrate the incredible diversity and adaptability of the Suidae family across continents. Protecting these unique animals and their habitats is crucial for biodiversity and ecosystem balance.

animal tags： Wild boar species warthog characteristics wild boar distribution in the world