The Vietnamese Pig Is Declared an Invasive Species

Written and verified by the vet Eugenio Fernández Suárez

Last update: 18 November, 2023

For many, the Vietnamese pig has turned into a pet, and it’s relatively common to see these interesting animals in houses and even walking with leashes. However, in Spain, the authorities have declared the Vietnamese pig to be an invasive species. It is now even on the list of harmful animals.

New invasive species

In Spain, the list of invasive alien species is one of the few legal barriers that prevents any person from having certain animals as pets. This is mainly because the animals have caused some sort of environmental problem.

This was the case for many other animals that used to be kept as pets. For example, some turtles, or animals like the raccoon. Now, the Vietnamese pig joins this list of invasive species, along with several reptiles and plants, something that many experts in the field have been asking for for years.

Invasive species are animals that aren’t autochthonous and, when released into the natural environment, cause harmful effects on the native fauna and flora. This could be due to competition or by predation on other animals.

The species added to the list this round are, in addition to the Vietnamese pig, the Savanna Monitor Lizard, the Peninsular Turtle and the Royal Python. The latter is an ophidian that is a fairly popular pet in some countries. However, having one as a pet from now on will be prohibited in Spain at least. This is to ensure that they aren’t released into the environment. 

The Vietnamese pig’s case

The Vietnamese pig is a small species with dark coloration. They weigh about 100 pounds at two years of age, but they can double their weight after that. Additionally, they have a life expectancy of about 20 years in the wild and they’re originally from Southeast Asia. 

However, the Vietnamese pig has made its way outside of the Asian continent due to the growing interest of humans to have them as pets. That’s why there are numerous breeding sites for these animals in the United States and in Europe.

Why is the Vietnamese pig an invasive species?

The problem took place in Spain around 2007, when people were releasing these animals into the environment. Experts have observed these animals in the wild, as well as their reproduction. These specimens are beginning to cause damage to crops and populations of wild plants. 

The Vietnamese pig has also given rise to another interesting species which is a hybrid animal. It’s the result of the cross between the Vietnamese pigs released into the wild and indigenous boars. 

Pigs reproduce at a faster rate than wild boars, and live throughout different parts of Spain and other European countries.

Now that they include the Vietnamese pigs and other exotic species on the invasive species list, people can no longer own them as pets. That way, they won’t be able to release them into the wild, thus avoiding potentially serious environmental problems.