Visayan Warty Pig

Coming soon

Visayan warty pig receives its name from the three pairs of fleshy "warts" present on the visage of the boar. Biologists speculate that the reason for the warts is to assist as a natural defense against the tusks of rival pigs during a fight. The boars also grow stiff spiky hair.

Visayan warty pigs are skilled diggers; they remove tubers, roots, and bulbs with their snouts. Because of their keen sense of smell, pigs can find food underneath. Despite their diminutive size, the Visayan warty pig is nimble and able to maneuver through thick undergrowth. Pigs are useful in island situations and have good swimming abilities. Like domestic pigs, Visayan warty pigs are highly clever; they can recognize people, learn routines, and solve basic difficulties. The first wild pig species to be documented utilizing digging tools was the Visayan warty pig at the Jardin des Plantes in France.

Visayan warty pigs tend to live in groups of four to six. The diet of the pig mainly consists of roots, tubers, and fruits that can be found in the forest. They may also eat cultivated crops. Visayan warty piglets are often seen during the dry season between the months of January and March in their native habitat of the western Visayan Islands. They play a key role in dispersing seeds of some plant species within the chain of islands in the Philippines. Visayan warty pigs in the wild require dense forested areas as well as grasslands. In the ecology, Visayan warty pigs serve as seed dispersers, soil churners (which enhance soil aeration and plant regeneration), and bug pest population reducers.

It can persist in some degraded habitats such as cogon grasslands as long as there are areas of dense cover, though there is some evidence to suggest that pigs surviving in largely denuded areas are predominately composed of feral animals of mixed origin. These days, the main threats to this species are humans, eagles, feral dogs, crocodiles, and pythons.

Reproduction

• Mature around 1–2 years old.

• Breeding usually peaks in the dry season.

• Gestation: ~115 days.

• Litter size: 2–4 piglets.

• Piglets are born striped (brown with light stripes), a camouflage typical for wild boars.

• Mothers are very protective and raise piglets for several months.

These pigs are often nocturnal or crepuscular, shy, and wary of people. Pig males are more solitary, and the social structure consists of small groups known as sounders (females + young). Unless they are cornered or protecting piglets, they are not inherently hostile. In captivity, these pigs can develop sociable and playful behaviors and become domesticated. Although they can grow friendly with caregivers, they are still strong, unpredictable, and need to be handled carefully. They are not domesticated animals.

Threats

• Habitat loss due to farming and logging.

• Hunting for meat.

• Hybridization with domestic pigs, which dilutes the wild gene pool.

• Land conversion for sugarcane, coconut, and settlements.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered (CR)

Conservation Efforts

• Habitat protection.

• Anti-poaching enforcement.

• Rescue and rehabilitation centers.

• Awareness campaigns against illegal pet trade.

• Captive breeding programs (e.g., Negros and Panay).

• Education about endemic wildlife in the Philippines.

• Reintroduction attempts into protected forests.

It is believed to be extinct in four of the islands in its original native range, with only small surviving populations in Negros and Panay. Due to the small numbers of remaining Visayan warty pigs in the wild, little is known of their behaviors or characteristics outside of captivity. Originally this species occurred in primary and secondary forest from sea-level to mossy forest at 1,600 m asl. Now it occurs mostly above 800 m asl, as there are relatively few patches of suitable habitat in the lowlands.

• Movement Pattern: Not a Migrant

• Population Trend: Decreasing

• Population: ???

• Locomotion: Terrestrial

• Habitat: Temperate Coniferous Forests; Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests; Temperate Deciduous Forests; Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Subtropical Coniferous Forests; Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Salt Flats; Stone Forest; Tropical Coniferous Forests; Tropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Grasslands; Tropical Savannas and Shrublands; Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands, and Scrub; Mushroom Forests; Mushroom Fields; Deserts and Xeric Shrublands; Badlands; Flooded Grasslands and Savannas; Swamp; Bayous/Billabongs; Riparian; Wetland; Mangrove Forest; Cold Bamboo Forests; Tropical Bamboo Forests; Air-breathing Coral Reefs; Graveyard Vale; Mountain.

• Earth: 

  • Extant (Resident): Philippines (Guimaras, Negros, Panay, Masbate)

  • Possibly Extinct: Philippines (Siquijor, Ticao Islands)

  • Extinct: Philippines (Cebu)

  • Extant & Introduced: Britain (England, Scotland, Wales); Germany; Hungary; United States

• Berbania: 

  • Extant & Introduced (Resident): worldwide

• Reinachos: 

  • Extant & Introduced (Resident): Horatio

Although they can be difficult to care for and demand a long-term commitment, pigs and boars can be kept as pets in Rapunzel's world. Due to their aggressiveness and unpredictability, wild boars and farm pigs are generally neither safe nor recommended as pets. It might be challenging to provide for the unique demands of wild boars in a home environment. But a potato, carrot, tomato, or even meat can be used to tame a wild animal.

The popularity of pigs and boars as pets has increased dramatically in recent years, and many pig lovers have bought "mini" or "micro" pigs to keep as companion animals in their homes. In addition to being adorable, these wild creatures may be rewarding and fascinating company due to their friendly and inquisitive nature.

Warty pigs from the Visayas are not advised and are frequently prohibited in our universe. According to Philippine law (RA 9147), these pigs are protected species, and possession is typically limited to wildlife facilities and requires permission. Even little kinds of wild boars can be extremely powerful, dangerous, and destructive. Most houses are unable to provide the huge enclosures, enrichment, social interaction, and veterinary care that pigs need.

In 2012 the Negros Interior Biodiversity Expedition undertook camera trapping in the Northern Negros Natural Park and gained the first photos taken in the wild of the Visayan warty pig. 

Coming soon

• The first ever pig species drawn by Ognimdo2002 into his drawings.

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visayan_warty_pig

• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visayan_warty_pig

• https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/endangered-warty-pigs-mohawks-philippines

• https://www.wisesayings.com/pig-quotes/#ixzz6pHPPykx9

• https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/21175/44139575

• https://www.flamingoland.co.uk/zoo/animals/mammals/visayan-warty-pig/

• https://ph.news.yahoo.com/pigs-recorded-using-tools-first-152637752.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpcGVkaWEub3JnLw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAMPN4OX8BcueUIYhjaMN02w2_6ccMox2h-JleIsAFukjHrgxWIDHT4Zvq-bfaUeQhLglgvofLak-2aHxySRwdbXQspdPsjTdw1dFmAgHeoS4Up3eOtV_vt7HqUP3nwybr3NLIC3Gv4WsiNFGP-3MN0E3d2wgLXG6-GzVGW-BKP6u

• https://www.deviantart.com/ognimdo2002/art/Visayan-Warty-Pig-873397241