BUSHPIG  

  Shoulder Height:    76 cm
Average Weight:  Male 62 kg
Female 60 kg
Gestation:  4 months
Number of young: 3 - 8 piglets
Longevity: 15 years
S.C.I. Min. Score: 11
S.C.I. Record Score:  23  5/16
Rowland Ward Min. Length: 5  1/2"
Rowland Ward Record Length: 11  7/8"
Habitat:     Densely bushed areas.
BUSHPIG (Potamochoerus porcus) are very common in South Africa, generally living in the thickly bushed areas in the eastern part of the country.  They are often regarded as vermin in the sugarcane farming area of Kwazulu-Natal and this area does provide some of the better Bushpig hunting in South Africa.  Bushpig are a gregarious species living in sounders of usually 5 to 10 animal, which are controlled by a dominant boar and sow.  Bushpig are seldom seen in daytime, even where plentiful.  Their diet consists of just about anything, they dig and root around for bulbs and roots, they eat reptiles, birds, birds eggs, insects, snake and anything else that they can kill, or come across.  They are often found near human settlements living off the rubbish heaps.  Their canine teeth are razor sharp as a result of the constant friction between the upper and lower canines, and they use these teeth to full effect when attacked or wounded, often inflicting grievous wounds.  They are one of the most difficult animals to hunt and a good trophy Bushpig is a very impressive addition to any trophy room.