Mammals · Artiodactyla · Suidae

Red River Hog

Potamochoerus porcus

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The red river hog is the most colourful pig in the world: a bright orange-red coat, a white stripe along the back, white ear tufts and a black-and-white facial mask. It lives in family groups in the forests of West and Central Africa, is nocturnal and omnivorous, and roots through the ground for tubers, invertebrates and carrion. It has become more abundant in many areas as its large predators have disappeared, and it causes conflict with farming.

Weight

45 kg – 130 kg

Size

1 m – 1.5 m

Lifespan

20 years

Diet

Omnivore

Combines animal and plant food depending on availability.

Activity

Nocturnal

Active mainly at night.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

SavannaRainforestOmnivore Nocturnal Savanna Rainforest Mammal

43countries 13parks6same family

Fun facts

GeneralOne of the most striking of the pigs, with a deep red coat and white tufts on its ears.
It is the most striking wild pig in the world: its intense red coat with the white dorsal stripe and the ear tufts make it unmistakable among pigs, which are usually grey or brown.
It has benefited from the disappearance of the leopard across much of West Africa: without its main predator its populations have soared, and it is now one of the leading causes of crop damage in the region.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (mammal)
Habitat & environment: Rainforest, gallery forest, mangroves and farmland of West and Central Africa
Sexual maturity: 3 years
Gestation / incubation: 4 months
Litter / clutch size: 3

Sources consulted: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_river_hog