The Bush Pig (Potamochoerus larvatus) is a species of wild swine native to the African continent. This mammal is widespread across various habitats in Sub-Saharan Africa, generally favoring areas that provide dense cover. Often referred to as the Southern Bush Pig, its secretive nature and primary nocturnal activity make it difficult to observe in the wild.
Physical Characteristics and Identification
The Bush Pig is a medium-sized suid with a stocky, muscular build, typically standing between 66 and 100 centimeters at the shoulder. Adult males, called boars, are generally larger than females, or sows, with common weights ranging from 60 to 80 kilograms, though some can reach up to 150 kilograms. The coarse, bristled coat is highly variable in color, ranging from a light reddish-brown to dark brown or nearly black, often darkening with age and differing geographically across its range.
A prominent feature is the long, erectile mane of hair that runs along the animal’s spine, which can be raised when the pig is agitated. The Bush Pig’s head possesses a distinct “face mask” composed of contrasting white or lighter markings around the eyes and snout against a darker background. Its ears are long and pointed, often tipped with distinctive tufts or tassels of hair.
Both sexes possess tusks, but they are relatively short and inconspicuous compared to other African swine. These tusks are formed by the sharp, outward-pointing canine teeth, with the lower pair being particularly sharp for defense. Unlike the Warthog, the Bush Pig lacks prominent, large facial warts, only sometimes developing small bony ridges on the snout in older males.
Habitat and Range
The geographic distribution of the Bush Pig spans a vast area of Sub-Saharan Africa, extending from the Horn of Africa southward to the Cape Province of South Africa. Isolated populations are also present on Madagascar, where they are thought to have been introduced by humans. The species is highly adaptable, observed from sea level up to 4,000 meters on mountains like Kilimanjaro.
Their habitat preference is strongly tied to the availability of dense protective cover, which is necessary for resting during the day and for avoiding predators. They thrive in a variety of densely vegetated environments, including dense forests, thick bushveld, and montane forests. Riverine vegetation, swamps, and areas near permanent water sources are particularly favored.
Bush Pigs also tolerate human-modified landscapes, often inhabiting cultivated areas or the fringes of settled communities where adequate cover is available. This proximity to agriculture, driven by the availability of food sources, frequently brings them into conflict with farmers.
Behavior and Social Structure
Bush Pigs are primarily nocturnal, beginning foraging activities at dusk and returning to sheltered resting spots before dawn. During cooler months, they may sometimes be observed feeding during the day. They utilize a highly developed sense of smell to locate food, as their eyesight is only fair.
The diet of the Bush Pig is broadly omnivorous, allowing it to exploit a wide array of food sources. They use their tough snout to “root” or dig for underground items, including plant roots, tubers, bulbs, and insect larvae. The diet is supplemented by fruits, eggs, invertebrates, small vertebrates, and carrion. They are also known to follow troops of fruit-eating monkeys, consuming the dropped or discarded fruit.
Bush Pigs live in cohesive family groups known as “sounders,” which typically consist of a dominant male, one or more females, and their young. Group sizes generally range from six to twelve individuals. The sounders maintain home ranges, which they defend aggressively from intruders, using loud grunts and squeals for communication within the group.
A notable aspect of their social behavior is the active role the dominant male plays in the defense and protection of the piglets. This level of paternal care is unusual among wild pigs. When threatened or cornered, Bush Pigs are known to be courageous, utilizing their sharp lower tusks for defense.
Bush Pigs vs. Other African Swine
The Bush Pig is often confused with two other African swine species: the Red River Hog (Potamochoerus porcus) and the Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus). The Red River Hog is its closest relative, inhabiting the rainforests of West and Central Africa. While Bush Pigs can exhibit reddish fur, the Red River Hog is characterized by a more vibrant, orange-red coat and longer white tufts on its ears.
The Bush Pig is ecologically separated from the Warthog. Warthogs are diurnal, active during the day, and inhabit open savannah and grasslands. In contrast, the Bush Pig is nocturnal and requires the dense cover of forests or thickets.
Physically, the Bush Pig appears more like a conventional domestic pig, with a fully haired body and a tail that hangs down when running. Warthogs are sparsely haired, often appear to be kneeling when feeding, and run with their thin tail held straight up in the air. Furthermore, the Warthog’s tusks are significantly longer and more visible, protruding prominently from the mouth, distinguishing them from the Bush Pig’s shorter canines.