Types of Pigs
| Additional Animal Information Domestic Pigs Types of Animals |
The family divides into 5 genera:
- Sus - 8 species of pigs, hogs and bores primarily of Asian origin and the origin of domestic pigs
- Potamochoerus - 2 species, African River Hog and Bush Pig
- Hylochoerus - Giant Forest Hog
- Phacochoerus - 2 species of African Wart Hogs
- Babyrousa - single species
All Suidae species are considered old world animals, native to the forested areas of Europe, Asia and Africa.
While both wild and domesticated pigs are part of the American landscape, none are native species. The wild pigs found throughout the Eastern United States are related to the European Wild Bore, and introduced into the wild when the first European explorers came ashore over four hundred years ago.
Javelina are native ungulates, however they belong to the peccary family, not the pig family.
The warthog in the top picture is a native of Africa.
© 2009. Patricia A. Michaels