Miniature pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) — species profile (taxonomy, origin, lifespan, husbandry basics)
Authoritative first-hand species account (Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan). All bullet facts are verbatim from the cited source and C1-substring verified.
Natural History & Origin
- They originated in Europe and Asia, but were widely
- introduced to North America and are considered an invasive species in the southeastern
- Given their wide distribution, wild boars can be found in a variety of habitats.
Habitat
- may inhabit grassy savanna areas, wooded forests, agricultural areas, shrublands and
- The maximum known lifespan of a wild boar in their natural habitat is 9 to 10 years.
- Depending on their habitat, wild boars may be active both day and night.
Size
- They are common throughout Eurasia, and inhabit every
- Wild boars range from 153 to 240 cm in total length and weigh 66 to 272 kg as adults.
- They may also have longer bristly hairs that grow down the middle of their backs.
Lifespan
- Wild boars tend to live in large groups called sounders that are made up of 6 to 20
- Males stay with their mothers until they are 1 to 2 years old and then leave the herd.
- On average, they only live to be 1 to 2 years old.
Behavior & Social Structure
- Female wild boars are social animals that tend to live in groups.
- tend to be more solitary after reaching maturity and join with groups during mating.
- they become more territorial as they prepare to compete for breeding rights.
Reproduction
- At birth, young boars generally have yellowish-brown stripes running down their backs
- to give birth, they temporarily leave the sounder and return with their young upon
- farrowing (giving birth to their litter).
Diet
- but generally avoid extreme heat or cold.
- Deeper snows and frozen ground inhibit their ability to forage for roots
- protection, while the rest of the group forages for food.