BUSHPIG

The Bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus koiropotamus) is a wild pig native to sub-Saharan Africa. It has a stocky, muscular build, coarse bristled fur that ranges from reddish-brown to dark grey, and distinctive facial markings with a white mane running down its back. The underparts are usually lighter in colour, a barrel-shaped body and relatively short legs.

Distribution: Widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, from South Africa to Ethiopia. 

Size: A medium-sized animal. The males being larger than females. 

Weight: 120 – 180lb / 46 – 82 kg

Shoulder Height: 25 – 30’’ / 63 – 76 cm 

Tusks: Both sexes have short, knife-like and very sharp tusks. Males are typically larger, with sharp tusks for defence.

Habitat: Forest and bush country, always near water. Found even on the outskirts of settled localities if cover is adequate. 

Habits: Bushpigs are nocturnal, foraging mainly at night for roots, fruits, small animals, and carrion. They live in groups called sounders and are highly adaptable to various habitats. Though shy, they can become aggressive when cornered or threatened. They often raid crops, making them a problem for farmers.

Hunting Tips: A common nocturnal animal normal hunted over bait. Hunting with dogs is one of the most successful ways of tracking and cornering them, they are very tough and difficult to kill. They have been known to inflict serious wounds on dogs and it is advisable for a hunter to be cautious of this species. They have an excellent sense of smell making hunting over bait quite challenging.

Trophy Information

Good Tusk Length: 4’’  

SCI Min. - 12

SCI Min. Bow - 9  

Rowland Ward Min. - 6  

World Record - 117/8 

SCI Measurement Method: 12 Rowland Ward Measurement Method: 5 

Species & Subspecies Information

Species: 2 - Bushpig and Red River Hog 

Subspecies: 4 - White Faced or East African Bushpig, Southern Bushpig and Somali Bushpig.  

Other Pig Species: Warthog, Giant Forest Hog and European Wild Boar (Introduced to South Africa).