Wild Boar (Sus scrofa): Facts, Size, Habitat & Where to See in India
Quick Answer
The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a mammal listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Bristly grey-black coat, a mane along the back and tusks in adult males. Typical weight: adults commonly 50–100+ kg; males larger. IUCN Least Concern; abundant across Central India.. In Central India it lives in both Tadoba and Pench; the best time to see it is year-round, often in family groups (sounders) along tracks.
- Scientific name
- Sus scrofa
- IUCN status
- Least Concern
- Weight
- Adults commonly 50–100+ kg; males larger
- Local name
- Ran Dukkar (Marathi), Jungli Suar (Hindi)
Highlights
- Bristly grey-black coat, a mane along the back and tusks in adult males.
- Omnivorous: roots, tubers, fruit, invertebrates, carrion and crops.
- IUCN Least Concern; abundant across Central India.
- Best time to see: Year-round, often in family groups (sounders) along tracks.
Wild Boar Quick Facts
Key figures for the wild boar. Ranges vary between sources and regions; these are commonly cited values.
| Fact | Wild Boar |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Sus scrofa |
| Family | Mammal · Suidae |
| Local names | Ran Dukkar (Marathi), Jungli Suar (Hindi) |
| Size | Head and body around 1–1.5 m |
| Weight | Adults commonly 50–100+ kg; males larger |
| Breeding | Litters of about 4–6 piglets after a gestation of just under four months. |
| Diet | Omnivorous: roots, tubers, fruit, invertebrates, carrion and crops. |
| IUCN status | Least Concern |
| Population | IUCN Least Concern; abundant across Central India. |
How to Identify a Wild Boar
Bristly grey-black coat, a mane along the back and tusks in adult males.
Combine shape, markings, movement and habitat rather than relying on size impressions alone, especially in poor light.
Wild Boar Habitat
Highly adaptable across forest, grassland, wet edges and cultivated landscapes.
What Does the Wild Boar Eat?
Omnivorous: roots, tubers, fruit, invertebrates, carrion and crops.
Diet shifts with season, age and what is locally available, linking the species to vegetation, prey, predators and scavengers.
Wild Boar Behaviour and Breeding
Females and young often form groups; adult males are more solitary.
Litters of about 4–6 piglets after a gestation of just under four months.
Wild Boar in Tadoba
Part of Tadoba’s prey base and an active soil-disturbing forager.
Occurrence does not guarantee a sighting. Habitat, season, activity pattern and route all affect your chances.
Wild Boar in Pench
Commonly included in Pench’s ungulate and prey assessments.
Pench MP and Pench Maharashtra are administered separately but form one connected landscape.
Best Time to See the Wild Boar
Year-round, often in family groups (sounders) along tracks.
Morning drives are generally the most active. Book permits early for March–June, when demand peaks.
Wild Boar Population and Conservation
IUCN Least Concern; abundant across Central India.
Abundance does not remove the need for disease surveillance and conflict-aware management.
Watching Responsibly
Keep the required distance, stay in the vehicle, and never feed, call, spotlight or pursue wildlife. Follow your guide at all times.
Do not share precise locations of dens, nests or cubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a wild boar?
Head and body around 1–1.5 m. Adults commonly 50–100+ kg; males larger.
Is the wild boar endangered?
The IUCN lists it as Least Concern. IUCN Least Concern; abundant across Central India.
What does the wild boar eat?
Omnivorous: roots, tubers, fruit, invertebrates, carrion and crops.
Where can I see the wild boar in India?
In Central Indian tiger reserves including Tadoba-Andhari and Pench. Year-round, often in family groups (sounders) along tracks.
What is the wild boar called locally?
Ran Dukkar (Marathi), Jungli Suar (Hindi)
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Sources & References
Facts on wildlife and visitor access can change. These are the principal references for this page; always confirm current permits and rules with the responsible forest department.
Photo Credits
Photos without a credit below are by Wild Excursions. The rest come from Wikimedia Commons under the licences shown.
- Indian wild boar foraging in dry grass in Satpura National Park — Bernard Gagnon, CC BY 4.0
- Tiger chasing a wild pig in Tadoba Tiger Reserve — Davidvraju, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Safari tracks winding through teak forest in Pench Tiger Reserve — Drashokk, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Red-earth safari track running through a tunnel of bamboo in Tadoba — Rohit Sharma, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Wide view of the largest lake in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve under a clear sky — Aashay25, CC BY-SA 4.0
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