Wild Pig / Babuen Hålomtåno'
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Wild Pig / Babuen Hålomtåno'
Sus scrofa
Regulated game species
temporary photo
Domestic pigs were brought to Guam by the Spanish in the late 1600s. The first stock probably came from domestic herds in the Philippines and was likely introduced to feed the soldiers, government servants, and missionaries present on Guam. Some of this domestic stock eventually escaped from captivity or were intentionally released and established wild, free living populations in the forest, completely away from people. These were the ancestors of our wild pigs now found in the boonies.
Known in Chamoru as babuen hålomtåno', wild pigs are smaller than
domestic pigs. Wild adult males or boars typically weigh from 50 to 120
pounds but can weigh up to 300 pounds. Wild pigs are usually all black, with
stiff bristle-like hair. Some are spotted with white and red. These mixed
colors come from breeding with farmers' pigs. Both males and females have
sharp canine teeth called tusks (or "kotniyos" in Chamoru) that are used for
fighting and feeding. These grow to long lengths in males and are highly
prized as trophies by hunters.
The wild pig can raise one litter of babies every eight months. They give
birth to between one and 10 piglets, usually five. The piglets nurse from
the sow or mother pig for about four months until they become big enough to
find their own food. Pigs can eat almost anything. They dig around in the
forest floor with their nose searching for fallen fruits, young plants,
coconuts and animals like worms and snails. They feed on farmers' crops such
as watermelon and taro, causing considerable damage. They also build and use
wallows. Wallows are pits that trap water when it rains. Rooting, wallowing,
and trampling by pigs can cause severe damage to forest and agricultural
resources. Such damage is visible in many of Guam's forests today.
Pig numbers have increased in recent years. They are common to abundant
in northern limestone forests and less common in savanna habitat in central
and southern areas.
Hunting of wild pigs provides a significant amount of recreation for island
sportsmen. Wild pig season is year-round on Guam and the legal bag limit is
two per day and 40 per season. Pigs may be hunted only with a hunting
license and during legal hunting hours which is a half hour before sunrise
to a half hour after sunset.
Guam Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 9/27/2005
