25 Amazing Bearded Pig Facts Every Kid Will Love
Hey there, wildlife enthusiasts! Today, let’s dive into the fascinating world of bearded pig facts. These unique creatures might not be the most well-known creatures in Borneo but, trust me, they're just as intriguing. So, let's uncover 25 things you probably didn't know about bearded pigs!
Bearded pigs are related to agricultural pigs.
However, bearded pigs belong to the species Sus Barbatus, which makes them closer related to wild boars than domestic pigs.
Adult bearded pigs can weigh anywhere from 100 to 150 kilograms (220 to 330 pounds), with males typically larger than females.
In the wild, bearded pigs can live up to 15 years, provided they can avoid predation and disease.
What sets these pigs apart is their distinctive facial hair, resembling a beard, both males and females have beards!
These pigs are highly social animals. They hang out in family groups called sounders, consisting of up to 20 individuals.
Bearded pigs love to eat and they aren’t fussy! They have a diverse diet including: fruits, roots, fungi, insects, even small animals like lizards and rodents.
Known for their boldness, bearded pigs are not afraid to venture into human settlements in search of food and sometimes they become habituated, or used to humans.
Female bearded pigs fiercely defend their young from potential threats, displaying remarkable courage in the face of danger.
When bearded pigs are young, they have stripes lengthwise on their bodies which make them look a little like a lolly!
When they get to be teenage pigs, they grow a mohawk hairdo!
These pigs use various vocalisations, such as grunts, squeals, and even teeth chattering, to communicate with one another.
Bearded pigs love wallowing in mud to cool off and protect their skin from parasites.
They are eco-engineers, playing a crucial role in shaping their ecosystem by dispersing seeds through their poo.
As important seed dispersers, bearded pigs contribute to the maintenance of biodiversity in their forest habitats, making them integral players in the ecosystem.
Bearded pigs are agile and intelligent, often evading predators such as tigers and pythons with their quick reflexes.
Their reddish-brown fur is adorned with lighter markings, creating a unique pattern that helps them blend into their forest surroundings.
Bearded pigs used to migrate large distances across Borneo and Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, the breakdown of wildlife corridors has made this impossible.
Like many other wildlife species, bearded pigs face habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation, which puts them at risk of population decline.
They are also currently suffering from a ‘pandemic’ called African Swine Flu. While humans were in Covid lockdowns, half the bearded pigs in Borneo died from this disease.
Bearded pigs are classified as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but continued conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring their survival.
Despite facing various threats, bearded pigs have shown remarkable adaptability to changing environments, demonstrating their resilience as a species, so fingers crossed they make it through this challenge, too.
Scientists are now researching how many bearded pigs remain.
They are an important food source in Borneo. They also hold spiritual significance, often featured in folklore, and are part of traditional rituals.
You can read all about Wildlife Wong’s adventures with bearded pigs called Michael and Mary in Wildlife Wong and the Bearded Pig!
What did you think about those bearded pig facts!?
So, there you have it, 25 cool bearded pig facts! If you are lucky enough to trek through the rainforests of Southeast Asia, keep an eye out for these remarkable animals and marvel at the beauty of nature's diversity!
If that’s not on your radar, I’d love your help to spread the word about these incredible creatures. What ideas do you have on how to do this?