Bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus)

Overview
The Bushpig is a wild member of the pig family found in forests, woodlands, riverine vegetation, and reedbeds across East and Southern Africa.

Physical Characteristics
Size: Shoulder height ranges from 66 to 100 cm (26 to 39 in)

Weight: 55 to 150 kg (121 to 331 lb)

Appearance: Resembling domestic pigs with blunt snouts, small eyes, pointed ears, and buckled toes. Their fur varies from reddish-brown to dark brown, darkening with age. Males are larger than females.

Distinctive Features: A lighter-coloured mane that bristles when agitated and inconspicuous tusks. Unlike warthogs, bushpigs run with their tails down.

Behaviour and Social Structure
Bushpigs are social animals that live in groups, known as sounders, typically of up to 12 individuals. Each sounder has a dominant male and female, with other females and juveniles. Bushpigs are known to be aggressive, especially when protecting their young.

Reproduction
Bushpigs give birth to litters of 3 to 4 piglets in the summer after a gestation period of about four months.