The Mighty Wild Boars of the Sundarbans

The wild boar (Sus scrofa), a resilient and resourceful creature, thrives in the Sundarbans, adapting seamlessly to the challenges of its mangrove habitat. With a robust body structure, males are larger and heavier than females, measuring up to 135 cm in length, 55-110 cm in height, and weighing approximately 90-100 kg. Their most defining feature is their large head and long, strong tusks, which they skillfully use to forage through the forest floor, fields, and gardens in search of food. This foraging behavior plays a critical ecological role, aerating the soil and redistributing nutrients, making the wild boar an unintentional gardener of the Sundarbans.

Wild boars are known for their adaptability and love of wallowing in the muddy waters of the mangroves, which helps regulate their body temperature and keep parasites at bay. Their breeding cycle is equally impressive; a female boar, after a gestation period of 110-115 days, gives birth to 4 to 12 piglets, ensuring a steady population growth. Despite being one of the primary prey species for the Sundarbans’ majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, wild boars are not easily subdued. Their loud, piercing screams can even deter an attacking tiger, while their sharp tusks make them formidable opponents when cornered. Male wild boars, especially, display an unmatched fierceness, showing little fear even against tigers or other predators like leopards or bears.

Interestingly, wild boars in the Sundarbans maintain a peaceful coexistence with other animals like deer, sharing grazing grounds and waterholes without conflict. They also benefit from the clever warning signals of monkeys, which alert them to approaching tigers. Their population has shown significant growth, increasing from 28,000 to over 45,000 individuals, highlighting the Sundarbans' role as a thriving sanctuary for this resilient species. For visitors, the sight of these strong and enigmatic creatures is a testament to the Sundarbans’ rich biodiversity and the interconnected web of life that sustains this unique ecosystem.