The bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus) is a member of the pig family and closely resembles a domestic pig. It is a strong, stocky animal and is regarded as a pest by local farmers due to the crop damage it causes. The most common method of bushpig hunting in Africa is through the baiting method, with spotlights and hounds also commonly used techniques. Their status is listed as “least concern” with the IUCN.

The bushpig lives in eastern and southern Africa in habitats such as forests, woodlands, mixed scrub, riverine vegetation, and cultivated areas. They can adapt to human-influenced habitats and are often seen as vermin in these situations, as they consume agricultural food crops. Bushpigs are nocturnal and can travel up to three miles per night when foraging for food. They are omnivores.

During periods of cold or rain, bushpigs shelter in denser vegetation and may build nests over this time. As a social animal, bushpigs stay in groups of up to 12 animals. These groups are called sounders and usually consist of a dominant male (boar), a dominant female (sow), and other females and younger offspring.

In agricultural settings bushpigs consume crops such as maize, tomatoes, potatoes, sugar cane, and other vegetables. In the wild, they feast on insect larvae, plant roots, rhizomes, fruits, and bulbs. They follow monkeys and snack on the fruit that these primates drop.

Bushpigs mate in May and June, with each gestation period of 120-127 days. Females give birth to one to four young but can have up to six piglets at a time. The bushpig female nurses them for two to four months, and they are usually driven out by the parents at about six months.

A bushpig’s main predators are leopards and man. As they are seen as pests when destroying crops, many farmers encourage hunting safaris in their region, with discount pricing offered at times on a bushpig safari hunting experience. These hunts remain a popular add-on to plains game hunting safaris.