Minnesota Zoo

Adult Visayans have long hair on the tops of their heads and spines. When threatened, they raise their spiky manes to make themselves appear larger and more menacing.

Overview
Conservation

Animal Bites
Body length: 27-35.5 in.
Height: 11.8-15.7 in. (shoulder), 15.7-20 in. (top of back)
Weight: 77-88 lbs (males); 48.5-79 lbs (females)
Average # of young: 3-4 “piglets” per litter

Where at the Zoo
Tropics Trail

Conservation Status
critically endangered

Habitat
Island
Tropical Forest

Taxonomic Category
Mammal, hoofed

Where in the World
Asia

See Also
Pig
Wild Boar
Red River Hog

Visayan Warty Pig
Sus cebifrons

Visayan warty pigs are currently extinct on all but two small islands in the Philippines. These small, forest pigs are named for the islands where they are found, and for the three pairs of fleshy "warts" on the male pig’s face. Biologists think the warts help protect the face when fighting.

What They Eat
Visayans eat a variety of fruits, roots, and tubers. Sometimes they come out of the forest to invade nearby fields and vegetable gardens. As they forage for food, they “till” the soil with their snouts by turning it over.

Where They Live
These rare pigs prefer to live in lowland tropical forests and near land used to grow food. They can be found on only two of the six Visayan Islands they are native to.

What They Do
During mating season, male pigs grow bristly mohawk manes and long white whiskers. Visayans usually live in groups of 4-6 and are most active during the day (diurnal).

How They’re Doing
This rare pig is critically endangered. Major threats include habitat loss, hunting, and interbreeding with domestic pigs.

Things you can do

Help save the Visayan warty pig and other endangered species by donating your time or money to the conservation organization of your choice.

Learn everything you can about an endangered species and then spread the word. Talk to your friends and family and encourage them to get involved. Write letters to government officials and tell them about the problems facing endangered species.

Your visit to the Zoo helps support our conservation programs. You can also sponsor an animal at the Zoo.

Become a Member of the Minnesota Zoo!

Visayan Warty Pig

Preventing habitat loss is especially critical for the future of this species. Life can be difficult for animals confined to islands because they cannot leave to escape predators or hunters, or to look for food.

Things the Zoo's done/doing

The Minnesota Zoo has become the 5th zoo in the nation to join in recovery efforts for the Visayan warty pig. By implementing an emergency breeding program and encouraging and facilitating local conservation in the Philippines for this species and others who share its forest habitat, we are working to ensure the survival of this critically endangered animal.