Red River Hog
Potamochoerus porcus
Did you know?
- Red river hog is part of the Suidae family, which it shares with wild boar and babirusa.
- Their name comes from their red coats and their inclinations to wade in water.
- They live in forests in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- They are fast runners and great swimmers.
- After a pregnancy of over four months, a female will have three to six piglets.
Night Life
Red river hogs are most active at night, during which they search for food. They use their snouts like plows to dig up roots, but they also eat a variety of items, such as fruits, grasses, insects, reptiles, and more. Family groups rest during the day in burrows.
Social Structure
Red river hogs live in family groups that are usually led by dominant male and have four to six members. A male and female pair mate for life, and the male plays an active role in caring for and defending the young. Adults grow to be about five feet in length and weigh between 100 to 265 pounds.
Threat Level
- Unknown
- Common
- Near Threatened
- Threatened
- Endangered
- Critically Endangered
- Extinct in the Wild
Least Concern
The Red River Hog is widespread and abundant.
Range
Africa, south of the Sahara to northern South Africa
Habitat
Forests, wooded savannas
We care about red river hogs
We support a group of red river hogs at the Zoo. Learn more about how we are helping wildlife here and around the world.
Find this animal in River's Edge
SAINT LOUIS ZOO ZONE
River's Edge
Take a journey along a mythical waterway through four continents to discover how wildlife, plants and people interact. River's Edge is the Saint Louis Zoo's first immersion exhibit—a lushly planted naturalistic environment showcasing multiple species from around the world.