Wild pigs are effective fruit seed spreaders

September 02, 2026
Wild pigs seed dispersers

Researchers studying wild pigs in Brazil investigated whether pigs could act as seed dispersers for native plants, compensating for the loss of native fruit-eating animals and “restore important ecological functions.” Their conclusion was yes, pigs effectively disperse a large number of intact seeds, and move seeds over long distances, although when compared to animals like the tapir, wild pigs deposit seeds in less suitable areas (e.g. outside the forest).

In these camera trap images from the study, six different species are recorded feeding upon fruits in the forest.

Read the study here: https://doi.org/10.1111/btp.12706