Sus scrofa

ORIGINS

Pigs were first introduced to New Zealand by French Explorer de Surville in 1769, and Captain Cook in 1773, hence the name “Captain Cookers”.  Many other breds of domesticated pigs have escaped and intermingled with them over the years.

CHARACTERISTICS

They vary greatly in appearance, with individuals coloured black, reddish brown, tan white, or any combination thereof.  Body type may be anything from lean, muscular black “razorbacks” or Captain Cookers, to the broad backed, stout legged, multicoloured farmyard type.  Boars can weigh from 150lbs up to 400lbs with good tusks.

WHERE FOUND

Boars occur anywhere in New Zealand, and are hunted the KIWI way with dogs and knife, or on foot with rifle.

Photo caption: Murray Jardine