Bushpig

BUSHPIG Potamochoerus larvatus German: Buschschwein Breeding French: Potamochère Mating season: Seasonal in parts of range (75% of births south of Spanish: Potamóquero oriental South Africa September – November); tropics less marked but Tanzania October – January peak Measurements Total length: 1,3 – 1,7 m (4.3‘ – 5.6‘) Gestation: About 120 days

Tail: 38 cm (15”) Number of young: 1 – 8 (2 – 4)

Shoulder Height: 55 – 88 cm (22” – 35”) Birth weight: Average 750 g – 1500 g (26 – 53 oz)

Weight: 46 – 82 kg (>115 kg) Sexual maturity: Male 16 – 20 months (breed later) (101 – 181 lb (>254 lb) Female 17 – 22 months (first breed 36 months) Longevity: 13 – 15 years in wild; captive lived 21 years 7 months

Description dense cover and the presence of water are Bushpig P. larvatus The body is well covered with long, essential requirements, they may wander bristle-like, hair that varies in colour considerable distances into more open from light reddish-brown to almost country when foraging. black, with a strong mixture of white or yellowish hairs, with the head often being Behaviour whitish-grey. There is a longish, light- Mainly active at night, but in undisturbed coloured erectile mane down the back areas it may be seen during the cooler and there are usually tufts of fairly long daylight hours, or when it is overcast. hair on the ear tips, and variable white Sounder size varies but rarely exceeds 15 facial markings. When running the tail animals, and each has a dominant boar Right front, 55 mm (2.2”) Right back, 53 mm (2.1”) is always held vertically downwards. A and a dominant sow, with their offspring. number of races have been recognised Adult boars are often solitary, or may based mainly on size and coat colour but form into short-lived bachelor groups. this is generally variable within any one On the southern coast of South Africa population. sounders occupied an average home range of 7.2 km2 (2.8 mi2) and averaged a 3 km Distribution (1.9 mi) distance each feeding session. Ranges widely in eastern, central and There is evidence that the dominant sow southern Africa, but is largely absent from and boar in each sounder defend a feeding the Congo Basin tropical forest belt where it territory and he also plays a role in rearing is replaced by red river hog. Most northerly and protecting the young. populations are found in Ethiopia. Food Conservation standing Omnivores, taking a wide range of plant Still abundant and widespread and animal food, although the former throughout much of its range, but in makes up the bulk of intake. Attracted Shot placement some areas populations have become for a considerable distance to feed on fragmented. Offered as a trophy animal carrion. They dig readily with the snout in most of the African range countries. for a variety of roots, bulbs, rhizomes and corms, which make up the bulk of Habitats their diet in most areas. Unfortunately, Occupies a wide range of habitats, as in crop-growing areas they can become long as some dense cover is available, a serious pest, feeding on maize, from altitudes of up to 4000m down groundnuts, legumes, potatoes, sweet to sea-level. Although favouring areas potatoes and will damage the roots of receiving higher rainfall, it penetrates some commercially grown trees. In some relatively dry areas by following perennial areas bushpig do more damage to crops water courses. In general bushpigs occur than any other large mammal. Rifles and Ammunition in areas where there is sufficient moisture Suggested Calibre: 7mm to 8mm. that allows the growth of dense vegetation Bullet: Expanding bullet designed for penetration. year round. They are found in most forest Sights: Light-gathering scope. and woodland types, including those Hunting Conditions: Expect low-light conditions. along rivers, around lakes and marshes, as well as on mountain slopes. Dense reed and papyrus beds also provide adequate cover and in some areas they occupy mangrove swamps. Although

19 Bushpig

In some populations bushpig have dense and shaggy coats

The typical bushpig found across much of its range Photo: G.&M. von Hasseln G.&M. von Photo:

Trophy hunter with a fine bushpig boar trophy Skull of bushpig – the tusks, or tushes, are the typical trophy

18 Game Animals of the World