Classic Moments in the Forest


Indian Peafowl | Blackbuck | Elephant | Spotted Deer | Common Langur
Wild Boar | Indian Gaur | Tiger | Sambar | Sloth Bear | Leopard
Nilgiri Tahr




Photograph by Dr Pramod G.Shanbhag, A.R.P.S., E.F.I.A.P.

Wild Boar (Kabini, Karnataka)

» SCIENTIFIC NAME: Sus scrofa
» KANNADA NAME: Handi

The wild boar is a ferocious relation of the pig. What it lacks in obvious beauty or grace, it makes up in intelligence, persistence and a certain charm…a thought that may be disputed by farmers whose fields it destroys with increasing regularity.

Most courageous of animals, wild boar can face a tiger or leopard in a fight and inflict serious injury. They are assisted in this by a pair of tusks, in upper and lower jaws, that curve outwards and project from the mouth. Record tusks have measured 12 5/8" (32.1 cm.) on the outside curve. They have very thick skin, covered in bristles and a distinct tasselled tail. Their best-developed senses are hearing and smell: they can smell out food that is deep underground.

Description: Average size: 36" (90 cm.) height at shoulder; weight may exceed 500 lb. (230 kg.). Coat is pale grey to black, with a mane of black bristles from nape to back. Young are striped fawn and dark brown, old boars grey. Mobile and expressive ears.

Distribution: Widely distributed across India.

Habits and habitat: Live in herds in grass or scanty bush jungle and forests. One recorded herd numbered 170.

Natural enemies: Jungle predators like tigers, leopards and wild dogs; disease and man.

Food: Omnivorous, living on crops, root, tubers, insects, offal, and carrion. Feed early morning and late evening. When disturbed, will come out to feed at night.

Breeding habits: Prolific breeders in all seasons. Known to collect in large assemblies when pairing. Majority of young are born at two periods: shortly before and after the rains. Gestation period about four months; four to six young are born at a time in a shelter of grass or branches built by the sow.