Red river hog

Potamochoerus porcus pictus

Red river hog

IMAGE: Amy Middleton 2022

Status

NE DD LC NT VU EN CR EW EX

For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org

We are currently home to two red river hogs – Thomas and Scott.

Population

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Decreasing

Diet

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Omnivore

Habitat

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Rainforest

Fact file

  • They have scent glands close to the eyes and on the feet

  • Their large ears and mane make them look bigger to predators

  • Red river hogs are mostly nocturnal and live in small troops or 'sounders' consisting of four to 20 hogs

  • A sounder will usually include one boar, several sows, and their piglets. The boar will protect his harem of sows fiercely from predators and other boars. The main predator of the red river hog is the leopard

Red river hog

IMAGE: Laura Moore 2021

How we're helping

Like all the animals in our care Winnie, Thomas and Scott are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and help hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.

As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the zoo and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health, to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.

Find out more about RZSS conservation