Pig, Visayan Warty

Sus cebifrons

The Visayan warty pig is a relatively small species of pig with short legs, a short neck, small eyes, large snouts, and tusks. The females are considerably smaller than the males at an average body length of 12-18 inches, and weighing between 44-77 pounds when full grown. Males can grow up to 25 inches long and weigh between 77-88 pounds, sometimes up to 178 pounds. The males also have three pairs of facial warts, giving this pig their unique name. Both males and females have tufts of hair on the crowns of their heads, which the males may grow out into a mane during mating season. Visayans also have a distinctive white stripe along their jaw and bridge of the nose.










Visayan warty pigs require dense forested areas. Formerly they inhabited primary and secondary forests from sea-level to elevations nearly a mile high, as well as grasslands. Unfortunately they lost over 95% of their former habitats especially in the lowlands. Today they live mostly above 2,600 feet (800 m) but can persist in degraded areas of invasive grasslands if dense cover exists.

Life Expectancy

10-15 years in the wild

Sexual Maturity

Females become sexually mature between 2-3 years, males around 2 years of age.


In the wild: Primarily earthworms, roots, tubers and fruits in the forest, but also agricultural crops. At the zoo: fruits and vegetables.


IUCN - Critically Endangered


The Visayan warty pig is a social animal, living in groups usually consisting of one male and several females with their young. A group of Visayans is referred to as a sounder. The groups typically have between three to six members, but occasionally can have as many as 12. Males have also been observed living in bachelor groups. Visayans will forage for food as a group. They are very vocal and often communicate through various noises. This species is nocturnal, usually resting during the day. Males will use their tusks in combat with one another and their unique facial warts are believed to provide protection from this. The Visayan gestation period is approximately 118 days, resulting in a litter of one to three piglets. This takes place during the dry season, which is between January and March. The young are weaned from their mother around six months of age, and become sexually mature between two and three years of age.


Special Interests

Visayan warty pigs are born with stripes and do not acquire their adult coloration until about one year of age. This species was not fully recognized as a full species until 1997, according to the IUCN.



Major threats to this animal include commercial logging, illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and hunting. They are fully protected by Philippine law. The Visayan Warty Pig Conservation Programme (VWPCP) was established in 1992.

Jacksonville Zoo History


Land of the Tiger