Domestic Pig
Sus scrofa domesticus
Quick answer
Domestic pigs descend from wild boars and rank among the smartest farm animals, weighing about 100 kg, living 15 years, and running 17 km/h. They root with sensitive snouts and learn tasks as quickly as dogs.
Domestic Pig facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Sus scrofa domesticus |
|---|---|
| Diet | Omnivore — grain, vegetables, forage, and scraps |
| Habitat | Farms worldwide; wild boar ancestry in Eurasia |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years (commercial pigs shorter) |
| Weight | 60–150 kg (130–330 lb); commercial breeds vary |
| Top speed | Up to 17 km/h (11 mph) over short distances |
| Conservation status | Domesticated (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Artiodactyla |
| Family | Suidae |
| Genus | Sus |
Where it lives
Domesticated worldwide; wild boar (Sus scrofa) native across Eurasia and North Africa; feral populations globally.
What is a group of domestic pigs called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Domestic Pigs is called a sounder.
Baby name
A baby Domestic Pig is called a piglet.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Distribution and habitat
Domestic Pigs live in Domesticated worldwide; wild boar (Sus scrofa) native across Eurasia and North Africa; feral populations globally. Preferred habitat includes farms worldwide; wild boar ancestry in eurasia. Across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, population density reflects prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and wildlife corridors remain essential for long-term persistence.
Physical traits and behaviour
Domestic Pigs typically reach about 1.5 m in length and 100 kg in weight, with top speeds near 17 km/h. The intelligent farm mammal. Daily activity, social structure, and seasonal movements reflect pressures in their native environment.
Diet and ecological role
Domestic Pigs feed on omnivore — grain, vegetables, forage, and scraps. Foraging shifts with season and local abundance. As mammals, they influence food webs — controlling prey, dispersing seeds, or shaping habitat through feeding and movement.
Conservation and coexistence
Listed as Domesticated on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild domestic pigs.
Human interest and research
Domestic Pigs feature in folklore, tourism, and scientific study worldwide. Ongoing research tracks population trends, genetics, and responses to environmental change — data that guides national protection policies.
Dig deeper into the Domestic Pig
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Dig deeper into domestic pig — where do pig live.
Explore the Domestic Pig
Did you know? Domestic Pig facts
- Domestic pigs descend from wild boars and rank among the smartest farm animals.
- They wallow to cool off, not from dirtiness — given space they toilet away from sleeping areas.
- Surprisingly quick over short distances — up to 17 km/h.
- Conservation: Domesticated.
Diet & feeding
Domestic Pig feeds primarily as a omnivore — grain, vegetables, forage.
Adaptations
- Pigs use mirrors, solve mazes, and play with enrichment toys.
- Feral pigs cause billions in crop and habitat damage when escaped.
Behaviour & ecology
- Pigs use mirrors, solve mazes, and play with enrichment toys.
- Feral pigs cause billions in crop and habitat damage when escaped.
Communication
- Domestic Pig uses scent, posture, and vocal signals to mark territory and coordinate social behaviour.
- Communication intensity often peaks during breeding seasons and territorial disputes.
Habitat & range
Farms worldwide
Ecological role
Domestic Pig plays a recognised ecological role in farms worldwide.
Frequently asked questions about the Domestic Pig
Where do domestic pigs live?
Domesticated worldwide; wild boar (Sus scrofa) native across Eurasia and North Africa; feral populations globally.
What do domestic pigs eat?
Omnivore — grain, vegetables, forage, and scraps.
How long do domestic pigs live?
About 15 years in the wild on average.
Are domestic pigs endangered?
IUCN status: Domesticated.
What is a group of domestic pigs called?
A group of Domestic Pigs is called a sounder.
What is a baby domestic pig called?
A baby Domestic Pig is called a piglet.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Domestic Pig:
-
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Domesticated) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Sus scrofa domesticus.
- IUCN Red List — Sus scrofa domesticus.
Conservation status (Domesticated) and population trends.
- Animal Diversity Web — Sus scrofa domesticus. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
Life history, morphology, and range.
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Global Animal Guide editorial standards
How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.
