Sus scrofa

The original pigs introduced by the Polynesians were of the Asiatic type.  They were small in size and probably resembled the wild pigs still found today in Asian countries. These pigs were raised by the early Hawaiians as a food source allowable only to the men, for use in religious ceremonies, and as pets.  The pigs were not confined but had free run of the premises, and this practice probably contributed to the establishment of feral stock in the forests.

 The English breed of pigs was first introduced by Captain Cook in 1778 when he left a boar and sow on Ni`ihau.  Additional stock was introduced on the other islands by subsequent European visitors.  The European breeds were mixed into the existing feral populations when these newer introductions either escaped captivity or were deliberately released to improve the feral populations as a food source.  With the infusion of European breeds, the original Asiatic lines were diluted so the present pigs resemble Eurasian pigs and are similar to the "razorbacks" of the mainland United States.  The usual color is black but other color patterns are commonly found.

 Feral pigs are found on all the other islands with the exception of Lanai and Ka-ho`olawe.  They are found in various habitats from sea level to upper elevations. They cause considerable damage to vegetation with their foraging behavior of rooting, and their hoof prints and wallows become catchments for water.  These in turn become breeding sites for the mosquitoes that are vectors for avian malaria or other diseases devastating to native birds.  In some areas hunting pressure has managed to keep the pig populations at levels where damage to the forests are not severe enough to inhibit regeneration of native plants; however, the regeneration does not keep pace with the damage being done.

The pigs are fed hog grower, whole fruits and fresh cut greens.  We have two females, Eenie who is also the mother of Piggy Girl (who really lives up to her name!)