Bushpigs

Bushpigs are nocturnal, mostly active during the night when they forage for food. They live in family groups called sounders, typically consisting of females and their offspring, with males either solitary or forming bachelor groups except during the breeding season. Bushpigs are known for their aggressive nature when cornered and can be dangerous to humans and other animals. Despite their adaptability to different habitats, their presence near human settlements often leads to conflict, particularly where they raid crops or come into contact with domestic swine, posing a risk of disease transmission. Conservation efforts for bushpigs focus on managing their populations to reduce conflicts with humans while considering their role in the ecosystem.

Scientific Name: Potamochoerus larvatus

Habitat: Bushpigs inhabit forests, woodland, riverine vegetation, and reed beds across sub-Saharan Africa. They are also found in montane habitats and can adapt to areas impacted by human activities if there is sufficient cover and food supply.
Diet: Omnivorous, with a diet that includes roots, crops, carrion, insects, small mammals, and reptiles. They are known to cause significant damage to agricultural crops.
Physical Characteristics: Bushpigs have a stocky build, with reddish-brown to dark brown fur, occasionally with white markings on the face and body. They have long, curved tusks and a tufted tail. Adult males are larger than females, with males weighing up to 115 kg (254 lbs) and females significantly lighter.
Lifespan: They can live up to 20 years in captivity, though their lifespan in the wild is generally shorter due to predation and hunting pressures.
Reproduction: Bushpigs are capable of breeding throughout the year, with a peak in births coinciding with the rainy season. Females give birth to litters of 3-6 piglets after a gestation period of about 120 days.
Conservation Status: Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, bushpigs are widespread and adaptable, although they are persecuted in some areas due to their impact on agriculture and as carriers of diseases like African swine fever.

Bushpigs at Chipangali

Titch

Species: Bushpig
Age on Arrival: Unknown (young juvenile)
Arrival Date: Unknown
Sex: Female

Titch’s Story:  Somehow, this young bushpig had fallen in and become trapped in a dry septic tank at a local mine. Fortunately she was discovered in time and rescued. Now safe at Chipangali, Titch is recovering her strength and settling into her new surroundings. Curious and resilient, she already shows signs of the hardy nature bushpigs are known for.

Breezer

Species: Bushpig
Age on Arrival: 8 weeks
Arrival Date: 12 December 2015
Sex: Male

Breezer’s Story:  Breezer’s tale begins with a dramatic rescue after a harrowing attack by jackals, illustrating the often brutal intersection of human and wildlife habitats. Nursed back to health from his multiple wounds at Chipangali, he symbolizes the sanctuary’s dedication to healing and rehabilitation. Despite the health challenges stemming from his early injuries, including a notable hernia, Breezer’s integration with Peppa showcases the sanctuary’s ability to create familial bonds among its residents, providing a semblance of natural social structures within its protective confines.

Peppa

Species: Bushpig
Age on Arrival: Approx. 1 year
Arrival Date: 27 June 2021
Sex: Female

Peppa’s Story:  Caught in a trap meant for larger carnivores, Peppa’s arrival at Chipangali could have spelled the end for another tale of human-wildlife conflict. Instead, it marked the beginning of her journey in the sanctuary, a testament to Chipangali’s inclusive approach to conservation. Her companionship with Breezer, another of the sanctuary’s long-term residents, highlights the sanctuary’s success in creating a sense of community and belonging for its diverse inhabitants.

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Top Image: By Derek Keats from Johannesburg, South Africa, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Profile Image: Cburnett – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikipedia Commons