Pig Profile
Domestic pigs, found on every continent except for Antarctica, originate from wild boars in Europe and Asia. 1
There are 16 species of pig found in the world, with the domestic pig being one of those species, although some scientists consider them a subspecies of the wild boar. The pig family also includes wild boars, wild hogs, warthogs, babirusa, wild pigs and pygmy hogs. 2
All pig species share some similarities in that they are generally small to medium sized animals with short snouts and bristly coats. Most are omnivorous, capable of eating a vast variety of plant and animal matter.
Pigs are adaptable animals, able to tolerate a variety of habitats, even semi-dessert areas. However pigs definitely show a preference for areas with a steady water source and are often seen wallowing in mud baths.
Pigs are unable to sweat and therefore require slightly cooler areas with adequate shade or mud wallows where they cake themselves in the cool mud to reduce their body temperature. Almost all species of pig are excellent swimmers, some have even taken to swimming in the ocean. The red river hog, found in Africa, rarely ventures far from rivers or lakes and is able to swim across very fast-flowing waterways.
Despite their sometimes comical appearance, pigs are extremely intelligent animals, capable of recognising different people, following commands and even using tools. They are highly social mammals with feral and wild pigs often sleep in communal nests.
They have been observed using sticks to help dig and build depressions in the ground which they then add grass and small twigs to. Some studies have suggested that pigs may be more intelligent than dogs and have the intelligence of an average 3 year old child.
Since being domesticated, the domestic pig has spread far across the world. There are estimated to be well over 700 million domestic pigs globally, mostly bred for their meat but an increasing number kept as pets. The number of feral pigs has also increased however and this has resulted in feral pigs becoming nuisance animals in certain areas.
Due to their tendency to dig and their omnivorous nature, they can cause significant damage to both the fauna and flora in those habitats. Some countries have even listed feral pigs as the most destructive species in that country. 3
Pig Facts Overview
| Habitat: | Forests, swamps, scrub forests, grasslands and man-made pastures |
| Location: | Worldwide but absent from Antarctica |
| Lifespan: | Up to 20 years |
| Size: | Up to 2m in length |
| Weight: | Can weigh over 350kg |
| Colour/Appearance: | Can be pink, black, yellow, brown or a combination of these. Short legs, stout body, large ears. Skin covered with short bristles |
| Diet: | Omnivore, eating plant and animal matter |
| Predators: | Large carnivores |
| Top Speed: | Around 17km/h |
| Number of Species: | 1 (Domestic pig) |
| Threats: | Diseases such a swine fever |
| Conservation status: | Domestic pig not considered threatened |
Although they enjoy digging in the earth and wallowing in mud, pigs are actually very tidy and clean animals. They remove mess from their dens or sleeping quarters and usually do not urinate or defecate near to where they sleep. 4
Pigs will try rid other members of parasites such as ticks, by plucking them off with their teeth. Caking themselves in mud is not only a method to keep cool, it also helps prevent sunburn as well as removing old skin cells. Female pigs will also clean up after their piglets to ensure their nest is as hygienic as possible.
Many pig or swine species are monogamous, mating with one partner for life. Some species of pig such as the bush pig and the red river hog live in small or large groups called sounders, often led by a dominant breeding pair or dominant male.
Commonly amongst these species, other members of the group will help care for the piglets and if more than one female is producing milk, they will even allow another female’s offspring to suckle. Male wild boar and warthog however play little role in the parental care of their offspring and usually leave to find another female shortly after mating. 5
The characteristic oink sounds and snuffles that pigs make are only a small part of their elaborate communication repertoire. They produce different noises to express anger, happiness or when they are hurt or scared.
As well as vocalisations, pigs also express emotions in their body language and will swing their head side to side or grind their teeth when they feel challenged. Pigs are also capable of releasing chemicals known as pheromones to show when they are ready to mate or when a potential predator is nearby. Here their excellent sense of smell is used to determine exactly what message is being sent.
Unlike other even-toed domestic animals, such as cattle or goats, most pigs have evolved to be omnivorous, eating grass and other plant material as well as eggs, insects and even small mammals.
They have retained their canine teeth and both lower and upper incisors which give them the advantage of being able to tear at food such as meat and grab food that is moving. Wild pigs such as boars and the babirusa have constantly growing canine teeth that form tusks which they use when competing with other males or fending off predators.
Interesting Pig Facts
1. Pigs have often featured in films and books
Books and films such as Charlotte’s Web, Animal Farm, Babe, Muppets and Peppa Pig all feature a pig as one of the main characters.
2. They are very intelligent animals
Researchers have found that pigs may be more trainable than dogs and are capable of recognising themselves in a mirror.
3. Pigs can bite
With sharp canines and incisors, pigs can give a nasty bite if threatened.
4. Domestic pigs can be very friendly
Some pigs, especially those kept as pets, often show great levels of affection for their owners.
5. Babirusa tusks can grow through their snouts
While the lower canine tusks usually grow upwards around the side of the snout, babirusa upper canines actually grow upward and through the skin of the babirusa’s snout.
6. Their flexible snouts are perfect for digging
Pig snouts are muscular and end in a disk of cartilage that allows pigs to dig and smell what is under the ground.
7. Some pigs are used to find expensive truffles
Due to their excellent sense of smell and high intelligence, pigs can be trained to hunt for truffles which are highly sought after as an ingredient in high-end meals.
8. They like to sleep in comfortable nests
Many species of pig line their nests with soft grass and sleep huddled together.
9. Wild pigs can actually positively contribute to the ecosystem
Where their population is controlled by predators, pigs are useful in dispersing seeds and create new areas for plants to grow.
10. Pigs are excellent swimmers
Wild pig species are often found near water. Some feral pigs in the Bahamas enjoy swimming in the ocean.
11. Pigs can be lifesavers
There have been several instances of pet pigs saving their owners from drowning or protecting them when their owner is attacked.
12. They are afraid of heights
Simply being picked up by a person will usually cause a pig to squeal until it is released.
Pig Fact-File Summary
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Artiodactyla |
| Family: | Suidae |
| Genus: | Sus |
| Species: | Sus scrofa domesticus |
Fact Sources & References
- David L. Fox, “Suidae hogs and pigs”, Animal Diversity Web.
- Kristin Wickline, “Sus scrofa wild boar”, Animal Diversity Web.
- “Feral pig”, Queensland Government.
- “About Pigs”, The Humane Society of United States.
- “Amazing Facts About the Pig”, One Kid Planet.