Wild Boar: Sus scrofus

The wild boar (Sus scrofus) is the largest of the 19 pig species, with wild species weighing in upwards of 700 pounds. The domesticated wild boar is the modern pig that supplies us with beacon strips and pork loins. The domesticat pig is usually considered a subspecies of the wild boar (Sus scrofus domesticus). Other experts consider the domestic pig it's own species, Sus domesticus. For the purposes of these pages, this species work-up is only about the wild boar. We have given the domestic pig it's own species page here. 

Where is the Wild Boar Found?

The wild boar is an old world pig, like all pigs in the family Susidae. It's native range is Asia, southern Europe and North Africa. It has been introduced to Australia, the US, parts of south America and several small islands in the Atlantic and Pacific ocean. The following range map is a good indicator of it's current distribution.  

What Eats Wild Pig: Predators

When discussing predators on the wild pig, it should be understood that the wild boar has a huge range. It is found in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Thus, any large predator in those regions can potentially put pigs on their diet. The only animal that preys on the wild pig throughout it's entire range are humans.

In eastern Asia, tigers will hunt packs of wild boar, picking off one at a time. Occasionally, hunters report that a tiger has been killed by a large male boar. In Africa, the larger subspecies of hyaena's are known to take wild boar in addition to leopards, other large felids, and crocodiles. In Australia, dingos will pick off piglets. Wolves in their native range, will hunt pigs as well. Bears, where the ranges overlap will eat pigs.

Piglets seem to be on the menu for many more species. Large snakes, such as the reticulated python will eat young pigs. Birds of prey will also consume small pigs as part of their diet.

Reproductive Biology

Pigs reach sexual maturity just under one year of age. Females can give birth to litters of up to twelve individuals although a half dozen is more typical. Gestation time is 4 months and females can give birth to small liters up to 2 times a year. Because of this high reproductive rate, wild pigs can become a nuisance species quickly.

Feral Pigs

Feral pigs are pigs that have escaped captivity. It is next to impossible to tell whether a wild pig is a pure wild boar or whether it has domestic origins mixed in as well. Often, observers must take the history of pigs in the area into account. For instance, most of the wild feral pigs in the US have domesticated roots mixed with a bit of wild boar.

When domesticated species mix with wild boar they often have a crest of hair running down their backs. The Arkansas razorbacks for instance are wild feral pigs of this origin