Bushpig
Potamochoerus larvatus
Mammal
| At a Glance | |
| Size | 55 - 88cm tall, up to 150cm long, tail up to 38cm |
| Mass | 54 - 115kg |
| Lifespan | 20 years |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
Description
Pig-like. Body covered in shaggy, bristly hair with distinct mane extending from between ears to rear. Long head covered in silver-grey, course hair. Ears are pointed and end in a tuft of hair. Boars have bony ridge and warts on snout. Lower tusks grow to 7 cm and may protrude.
Behaviour
Mainly nocturnal but ambient temperature determines activity; diurnal in cooler months. Sedentary animals but defend their territory vigorously. Social creatures, living in sounders of 4 - 12 pigs constituting 1 dominant boar, 1 dominant sow, other sows and juveniles.
Diet
Omnivorous: animals: Mammals, birds, eggs, insects, arthropods, mollusks, amphibians. Plants: roots, tubers, seeds, grains, nuts, fruit.
Breeding
Once a year, before rainy season begins, sow gives birth to 1 - 4 piglets in a hollow nest in deep bush, after gestation period of 120 - 127 days. Polygynous (one male mates with multiple females), with boars playing active role in rearing and protecting piglets. Piglets are independent at 6 months.
Distribution
South of Sahara, on Eastern side of South Africa, as far south as Mossel Bay.
Habitat
Dense bush with available drinking water.
Threats
Often perceived as a nuisance to subsistence and commercial farmers and therefore hunted.
Local Information
Many Kloof homes, particularly along watercourses have night visits from Bushpigs. As this species is mainly nocturnal you are unlikely to come across it in Krantzkloof but you can easily identify their droppings and where they been digging for roots. Bushpigs unlike Porcupines tend to be messy diggers and usually dig up a patch of over a square metre. You could find their spoor on the Molweni Trail in the vicinity of Ronald’s Kloof Weir or along the Molweni River.
Interesting Facts
Males have more glands than any other hoofed African mammal; hoof & carpal glands on feet, preputial penis gland, tusk, anal, chin, neck mane glands. Eyesight is relatively poor but smell and hearing are extremely acute.
The large canine teeth of the adults project as tusks but are not as long or curved as those of the warthog. The lower tusks are sharpened on the tip and along the edge by occlusion with the upper canines and are formidable weapons when used.
Video
A video clip is available on YouTube.