Bushpig
wildlife of Namibia
Introduction: The bushpig (Potamochoerus porcus) belongs to the Order Artiodactyla, or hoofed herbivorous mammals, the same as the warthog. There are some similarities between the 2, although the bushpig is probably not quite so ugly as the warthog. Bushpigs are strong, stocky and cunning animals, that can owe it's own increase in numbers to the decline of the leopard - it's main natural predator.
Bushpigs are social animals that live in groups of 6 to 8 animals, led by a dominant pair. All male groups occur as well as do sightings of individuals. They can be a very dangerous animal when cornered or threatened and their lower incisors can pack a nasty bite. Dominant boars defend their own feeding grounds, but fights are generally restricted to tail wagging, pawing the ground and rolling and hair raising. Bushpigs have a life expectancy of 13 years, especially if they can keep out of range of a rifle's foresight whilst rummaging around the garden for some tomatoes or root vegetables.
Distribution: The forest and riverine vegetation areas along the Caprivi Strip, especially dense thickets or tall grass for cover, but access to water is vital.
Diet: Plant roots, bulbs, tubers and fruits are eked out using the upper edge of the snout. Insect larvae is dug out of moist earth and leaf-litter. They have been known to eat carrion and the killing of small animals has been reported. Their liking for food crops such as maize, potatoes, tomatoes, cane and especially sugar, more often than not attracts the bushpig to human settlements, notably farms, where they are considered a pest.
Colouring: Brownish-black or reddish, long, bristle-like hair that is whitish around the face and neck.
Breeding: Litter sizes are usually 3 or 4 piglets which are born with pale longitudinal stripes, a camouflage and survival aid. Gestation periods are around 4 months. Sows 'litter down' in a nest built of bundles of grasses that she burrows into once they reach the size of a small haystack. They have also been known to give birth in the stumps of hollow trees. Piglets are cared and protected for by boars once they join a sounder for about 6 months, but are driven away by the dominant pair at this stage.
Size: Adults stand from between 0.55-0.9m at the shoulder. Weight: 60kg-100kg.
Caprivi Houseboat Safari Lodge
Just outside the town of Katima Mulilo lies this small river front lodge. The accommodation is rustic, the food awesome and the situation idyllic - resulting in some of the best value for money accommodation in Namibia
Chobe Savanna Lodge
Overlooking the vast Chobe floodplain's from its situation in the east Caprivi this lodge has a lot to offer visitors
Ichingo Chobe River Lodge
One of the best lodges in this area has accommodation in both traditional land based units as well as on two houseboats.
Impalila Island Lodge
This is the only place in the world where four countries meet. A wonderful Chobe destination with eight luxury chalets.
Mazambala Island Lodge
Situated on an island in the Kwando river around 4km from the trans-Caprivi highway
Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge
Brand new lodge in east Caprivi - ideal for exploring the wetlands of the Mamili National Park
Ntwala Island Lodge
situated on three small islands this is an ultra-luxurious Chobe destination, with four suites, each with plunge pool and private guiding
Pride of the Zambezi Houseboat
A small luxurious houseboat, offers awesome game viewing, bird watching & fishing expereinces on the Chobe & Zambezi Rivers
Susuwe Island Lodge
in the Bwabwata National Park this is a perfect land and water camp with six luxury suites, each with private plunge pool
Zovu Elephant Lodge
In the far eastern Caprivi this lodge offers lots of water based activities on both the Chobe & Zambezi Rivers
