Wild Pigs and Peccaries
Wild animals in the pig family and animals in the peccary family, distinguished from domestic pig breeds.
Published animal profiles
Wild boar
The wild boar is a wild species in the pig family, linked to the history of pig domestication. A long snout, coarse hair and a substantial neck and forequarters are characteristic.
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Babirusa
Babirusa refers to wild pigs of the genus Babyrousa on several Indonesian islands, with several species distinguished. Males have striking upper canine teeth that grow through the snout's skin, extend upward and curve backward.
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Common warthog
The common warthog is a wild member of the pig family living in African grasslands. It is not the same species as every other African wild pig. Facial projections, tusks and a mane along the body are characteristic. Despite the name, facial projections are not parasitic warts.
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Bushpig
The bushpig is an African wild member of the pig family. It is related to the red river hog but recognized as a separate species. Coarse hair, a long snout and pale facial areas occur; coat color varies with age and region.
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Collared peccary
The collared peccary belongs to the peccary family, not the pig family. It is a separate American lineage with a pig-like appearance; the scientific name Dicotyles tajacu is also used. Dark hair with a light band near the neck and shoulders gives the animal its name. The tail is shorter than a pig's.
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Pygmy hog
The pygmy hog is a small wild pig surviving in grasslands in Assam, India. Do not confuse a name such as pygmy black pig with a small domestic pig breed. A small body and dark hair make it inconspicuous among tall grasses. Its classification and ecology differ from those of a young domestic pig.
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