FLAMINGO LAND

Red River Hog

The Red River Hog (Potamochoerus porcus) is a species of wild pig native to the forests and wetlands of West and Central Africa. 

  1. Physical Description: Red River Hogs are easily recognizable by their striking appearance. They have a distinctive reddish-brown coat with black markings, including a white stripe along the spine and white markings on the face and ears. They have large, tufted ears, a white mane running down their back, and prominent facial warts. Adults typically weigh between 45 to 115 kilograms (100 to 250 pounds) and stand about 55 to 80 centimetres (22 to 31 inches) tall at the shoulder.

  2. Habitat: Red River Hogs inhabit a variety of habitats, including dense forests, woodlands, savannas, and marshy areas, primarily in West and Central Africa. They are often found near water sources such as rivers, streams, and swamps, where they can wallow and cool off during hot weather.

  3. Behaviour: Red River Hogs are social animals and live in groups called sounders, which typically consist of several females and their offspring. They are primarily nocturnal, being most active during the night, although they may also be active during the early morning or late afternoon. Red River Hogs are omnivores and feed on a variety of plant material, including roots, tubers, fruits, and leaves, as well as insects, small mammals, and carrion.

  4. Reproduction: Female Red River Hogs, known as sows, give birth to litters of usually 3 to 6 piglets after a gestation period of around 120 to 130 days. The piglets are born with a camouflage coat of stripes and spots, which helps them blend into their environment and avoid predators. They are weaned at around 4 to 6 months of age but may stay with their mother for up to a year before becoming independent.

  5. Conservation Status: Red River Hogs are currently classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). While they face threats from habitat loss, hunting, and human-wildlife conflict in some areas, they are generally widespread and abundant across their range. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their natural habitats and managing populations to ensure their long-term survival.

Overall, Red River Hogs are fascinating and charismatic wild pigs known for their striking appearance and interesting behaviours. They play an important ecological role in their ecosystems as seed dispersers and are valued by local communities for their meat and cultural significance.

Red River Hog Gallery

Information

Location - Zoo, Childrens Planet
Threat Status - Least Concerned

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