Bearded pig Sus barbatus
The bearded pig’s range is restricted. These animals are found in mangrove and tropical forests of Southeast Asia in Palawan Island, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. The bearded pig differs from other pigs by its “delicate” structure: it has a slim body, thin legs, and long head. The bearded pig has a dark brown-grey coat with a distinctive white beard on the face that is responsible for the name of this pig. Apart from the “beard”, the bearded pig has another distinctive physical feature – tail tuft comprised of two rows of bristly hair. The body length of the bearded pigs reaches 160 cm, weight ranges from 120 to 150 kg. The bearded pigs are omnivorous, feeding on diverse plants (root crops, foliage, fruit, etc.), as well as on insects, small vertebrate animals, and carrion. Herds of bearded pigs were observed following groups of macaques and gibbons, and collecting remains of their food thrown on the ground. What makes these pigs unique is their ability to adapt to diverse environmental conditions. During migrations several family groups may keep together and cover long distances. It is noted that their diurnal life style is changing to nocturnal during migrations. These pigs live in groups numbering from 8 to 50 animals. Gestation in females lasts four months and results in the birth of 2 to 8 babies. Prior to giving birth, a female builds a large, deep nest out of foliage and newborn piglets remain in the nest in the first weeks after birth. They are weaned at three months of age but do not leave their mother before the age of one year. Bearded pigs reach sexual maturity by the age of 18 months.
