A tough, bristly wild pig found across eastern and southern Africa, living in forests, savannas, and even near farmlands. Unlike its flashy cousin, the red river hog, the bushpig sports a more rugged look—its coat is usually a mix of brown, black, and gray, with coarse bristles that help it blend into its surroundings. Its face often carries pale markings, and its ears end in little tufts, but overall it looks less “dressed up” than other wild pigs. Still, it’s every bit as fascinating—an adaptable, resourceful pig that can thrive in a wide range of habitats.
One of the things that makes the bushpig special is its remarkable adaptability. It is an omnivore, feeding on roots, tubers, fruits, insects, small animals, and carrion, as well as cultivated crops when living near people. This flexibility makes it a true survivor, able to handle seasonal changes in food availability. They are also excellent diggers, using their strong snouts and tusks to root around for food. In the process, they act as natural plows, aerating the soil and helping to spread seeds, making them important players in their ecosystems.
Socially, bushpigs are lively and highly social animals, often living in family groups called sounders, usually led by a dominant male. These groups can be noisy—bushpigs communicate with grunts, squeals, and growls, which can echo through the night. They are mostly nocturnal, coming out after sunset to forage, which often leads to clashes with farmers whose crops make for easy meals. This has given them a reputation as mischievous crop raiders, sneaking in under the cover of darkness to feast on maize, sugarcane, or vegetables.
Distribution
Angola
Botswana
Burundi
Comoros
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Kenya
Madagascar
Malawi
Mayotte
Mozambique
Namibia
Rwanda
Somalia
South Africa
Sudan
Tanzania
Uganda
Zambia
ZimbabweAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
