The red river hog is mostly nocturnal. By day, they hide in a burrow amongst dense vegetation. After sunset, they roam around in troops using their sensitive, disc-like snout to find and dig up food. They are a highly sociable animal and form family groups of usually 4 to 6 individuals led by a dominant male, though groups of over 50 individuals have been recorded. Groups normally avoid one another and give aggressive displays, sometimes leading to fights, when encounters do occur.
Frequently used paths are scent-marked and trees are marked with gouges made with their tusks. Red river hogs get their name from the reddish color of their hair and the fact that they will often wade in rivers. They are good swimmers and can even swim underwater, catching their breath every 15 seconds.
Fun Facts:
- Not only is a red river hog’s nose great for smelling and feeling their food, it also acts as a plough to root up vegetation
- On average, the red river hog is the smallest pig in Africa
Conservation Threats:
Red river hogs are listed as Least Concern
