Sabah's forest gardener
The Bornean Bearded Pig
Sus barbatus
This guide explains its role in the rainforest and how a recent disease outbreak changed sightings.
Species profile
The Bornean bearded pig
The Bornean bearded pig is a large mammal that shapes the rainforest floor by turning over the soil. Before the disease outbreak in 2020, it was a ubiquitous presence around the lodges and trails of eastern Sabah.
Today it is a much rarer sight, but you can still look for this ecosystem engineer if you plan your trip to Sabah carefully.
Bako and Sabah reserves
Bako National Park in Sarawak offers exceptional on-foot encounters. The pigs are resident in the coastal beach forest and mangrove fringes here. In Sabah's Danum Valley Conservation Area they are seen with luck.
The African swine fever outbreak
The African swine fever epizootic swept through the Indonesian archipelago and Malaysian Borneo between late 2020 and 2024. Researchers confirmed a population decline of around 99% in Sabah.
Sabah and Sarawak parks
Other destinations
Sabah and Sarawak parks
Danum Valley
2.5 hours by road from Lahad Datu, Danum Valley is 438 square kilometres of lowland rainforest that was never logged with three very different places to stay inside it.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
A 122,500-hectare lowland reserve bordered by oil palm, Tabin is Sabah’s premier destination for night drives. The sharp forest edge concentrates small cats and civets along the boundary roads.
Species profile
Plan your wildlife itinerary
Tell the team you want to look for bearded pigs and they will build your itinerary around the reserves with the highest current activity.