The Visayan Warty Pig is most closely related to other Southeast Asian wild pigs, particularly the Philippine Warty Pig (Sus philippensis), sharing many traits and ancestry.
45–80 lbs (20–36 kg),
Weight
25–31 in (65–80 cm)
Height
About
The Visayan Warty Pig (Sus cebifrons) is a rare and critically endangered wild pig species belonging to the family Suidae. Native to the Visayan Islands of the Philippines, this species once ranged widely across the region but is now confined to a few fragmented forest habitats on the islands of Panay and Negros. Its decline is largely due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and hunting, making it one of the most threatened pig species in the world.
Adult Visayan Warty Pigs are medium-sized, standing about 25–31 inches (63–80 cm) at the shoulder and weighing 45–180 pounds (20–82 kg). They are named for the fleshy facial warts found primarily in males, which serve as protection during fights. Males also grow distinctive manes of long, dark hair that can be raised into a striking crest, particularly during the breeding season, giving them a wild and rugged appearance. Their coats are generally dark gray to black, sometimes with lighter markings.
These pigs are omnivorous foragers, feeding on roots, tubers, fruits, insects, and small animals. They play an important ecological role by dispersing seeds and turning over soil, helping to maintain healthy forest ecosystems. Breeding occurs year-round, with females giving birth to litters of two to four piglets after a four-month gestation period.
Conservation programs, including captive breeding and reintroduction projects, have been launched to save the Visayan Warty Pig. Zoos and conservation centers worldwide collaborate to preserve its genetic diversity while working with local communities in the Philippines to protect remaining habitats.
As one of the world’s most endangered wild pigs, the Visayan Warty Pig is both a symbol of the Philippines’ biodiversity and a reminder of the urgent need for wildlife conservation.
Threatened:
Extinct
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near Threatened
Least Concern
Physical Characteristics
The Visayan Warty Pig (Sus cebifrons) is a small, endangered wild pig native to the central Philippines, easily recognized by its rugged appearance and unique facial features.
Coat: Coarse, dark gray to black bristles cover the body, often with lighter streaks or a grizzled appearance. Males develop a distinctive mane of long hair along the back during breeding season.
Head: Named for the fleshy facial warts—actually protective pads—that develop in males to shield them during fights. Their snout is long and strong, built for rooting.
Body: Compact and stocky, with a short, deep torso and rounded belly. Their build reflects strength and adaptability to forest environments.
Legs & Hooves: Short but muscular legs with tough hooves, suited for navigating rugged, forested terrain.
Size:
Height: 25–31 in (65–80 cm) at the shoulder
Weight: 45–80 lbs (20–36 kg), with males generally larger
The Visayan Warty Pig’s bristled mane, protective warts, and small but sturdy frame make it one of the most distinctive and rare wild pig species in the world.
Reproduction
Mating and Breeding:
Visayan Warty Pigs are seasonal breeders, with mating often linked to the rainy season when food is more abundant. Males grow long manes and use their facial warts as protection during fights for access to females.
Breeding Age:
Both males and females typically reach sexual maturity around 1–2 years of age.
Gestation:
The sow’s gestation lasts about 118 days (just under 4 months), slightly longer than most domestic pigs.
Litter Size:
Sows usually produce 2–4 piglets per litter, a smaller number compared to domestic breeds, but typical for wild pigs.
Parental Care:
Sows construct nests from vegetation and remain protective of their young. Piglets are born striped for camouflage, a common trait among wild piglets, and nurse for 2–3 months.
Weaning and Growth:
Piglets begin rooting and foraging within weeks, gradually weaning at around 3 months while staying with the sow until more independent.
The Visayan Warty Pig’s smaller litters, strong maternal care, and seasonal breeding reflect its adaptation to challenging forest environments.
Lifespan
In the Wild:
Visayan Warty Pigs typically live 10–12 years in their native forest habitats, though survival is often cut short by hunting and habitat loss.
In Captivity:
With veterinary care, steady food supply, and protection from predators, they can live up to 15 years or more in conservation breeding programs and zoos.
Factors Affecting Longevity:
-
Habitat Loss: Extensive deforestation in the Philippines has fragmented their range, reducing food and shelter.
-
Hunting Pressure: They are heavily hunted for meat, drastically shortening wild lifespans.
-
Diet and Nutrition: In captivity, balanced diets and healthcare extend their years compared to resource-limited wild conditions.
-
Predation: Piglets are vulnerable to natural predators, while adults face human threats more than animal ones.
The Visayan Warty Pig’s natural hardiness allows for a decade-long lifespan, but human pressures have greatly reduced survival rates in the wild, emphasizing the importance of conservation.
Eating Habits
Diet:
Visayan Warty Pigs are omnivores with a diet primarily of roots, tubers, fruits, and crops, supplemented with small animals, eggs, and invertebrates when available.
Foraging Behavior:
They are strong rooters, using their long snouts to dig through soil and leaf litter. Foraging often occurs in groups, increasing efficiency and protection.
Seasonal Diet:
Their food intake shifts with seasonal availability—fruits and crops are consumed during harvest seasons, while roots and vegetation dominate in leaner months.
Human Conflict:
In agricultural areas, they often raid rice, maize, and root crop fields, bringing them into conflict with farmers.
Feeding Behavior:
Warty pigs typically forage in the early morning and late afternoon, resting in shaded areas during the heat of the day.
The Visayan Warty Pig’s opportunistic and varied diet reflects its adaptability, but crop-raiding habits have contributed to human-wildlife conflict and population decline.
Uniqueness
Endangered Status:
The Visayan Warty Pig is one of the world’s most endangered wild pig species, now surviving only on a few Philippine islands.
Mane Display:
Breeding males grow a striking mane of long, coarse hair along the back and neck, sometimes extending to form a “crest,” used in display and intimidation.
Protective Warts:
Males develop fleshy facial warts, which serve as natural armor during fights for dominance and breeding rights.
Piglet Stripes:
Piglets are born with distinctive striped coats that provide camouflage in forest habitats, gradually fading as they mature.
Cultural and Ecological Role:
Once widespread and a key source of food for local people, the species now represents both a cultural heritage symbol and a flagship for Philippine wildlife conservation.
The Visayan Warty Pig’s combination of mane growth, protective facial warts, and endangered status makes it one of the most unique and striking wild pig species in the world.
Be the First to Share Photos of This National Park.
FAQ’s
1. What species is closest to the Visayan Warty Pig?
2. How does the Visayan Warty Pig compare to other pigs?
Smaller than most domestic breeds, it has distinctive facial warts and a seasonal mane in males. Unlike farm pigs, it produces smaller litters and is highly endangered.
3. What national parks provide the best opportunities for seeing a Visayan Warty Pig?
They survive in a few Philippine reserves, with the best chances at Northern Negros Natural Park and Mt. Canlaon Natural Park, where conservation efforts protect remaining populations.
