Red River Hog

Potamochoerus porcus

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

Natural Habitat

Rainforest, gallery forest, and moist savanna woodlands

Range

West and Central Africa

Size

Height: 2-2.5 ft

Weight: 110-265 lbs

Lifespan

10-15 years in the wild, 15-20 years in managed care

Gestation

3-6 piglets after a gestation period of about 4 months

Diet Details

Roots, fruit, seeds, water plants, nuts, grasses, crops, fungi, insects, bird eggs, snails, reptiles, carrion

ZooTampa at Lowry Park Zoological Society of Tampa, Inc., an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to excellence in conservation, education, recreation and research. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is featured among the “Top 25 Zoos in the U.S” by TripAdvisor.

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