Arapawa pig facts for kids
| Other names | Arapawa Island |
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| Country of origin | New Zealand |
| Distribution | Arapaoa Island |
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The Arapawa pig is a special kind of domestic pig that lives in the wild. These pigs are found on Arapaoa Island in the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand. Some people think they might be related to pigs brought by Captain James Cook in the 1770s. However, it seems they actually came from pigs brought by whalers in 1827. These whalers set up a whaling station on the island. We know these pigs have been living on the island since at least 1839. In 1998, four young Arapawa pigs were taken from the island. They have since had many babies, helping to keep the breed alive.
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What Makes Arapawa Pigs Special?
The Arapawa pig has gone back to living like a wild type animal. This means they are quite hairy and the males often have a mane, like a lion's hair around its neck. They are bigger than some other wild pigs, but smaller than pigs raised on farms. They also grow more slowly.
How Do They Look?
Arapawa pigs are mostly sandy or tan in color. They often have black patches on their bodies. Male pigs, called boars, can weigh between 120 and 180 kilograms. Female pigs, called sows, usually weigh 80 to 100 kilograms. They have long faces and snouts. Their ears are small and stand straight up. Unlike some other pigs, they do not have wattles, which are fleshy growths under the chin.
Their Unique Features
Male Arapawa pigs have wide shoulders. They also have a thick, tough skin that acts like a "shield." This helps protect them in the wild. Even though they are very alert and aware of their surroundings, they are not usually aggressive. They are quite calm.
Protecting These Rare Pigs
The Rare Breeds Conservation Society of New Zealand looks after special animal groups. They consider the Arapawa pig a unique breed that needs protection. This is because they are a "landrace," meaning they have developed special traits from living in a specific area for a long time. As of 2014, scientists were still studying if these pigs are genetically linked to other pig breeds. The Arapawa pig is listed as a rare breed that needs help to survive.
Arapawa Pigs on Stamps
In 2007, New Zealand Post created a special set of stamps. These stamps celebrated different pig breeds from New Zealand. This was done to mark the Chinese Year of the Pig. The Arapawa pig was featured on the $1.35 stamp, showing how important and unique it is to New Zealand.
