Rationale

Considering its relatively widespread distribution, ability to utilise agricultural landscapes, and common occurrence (occurring at 0.3–0.5 individuals / km² in Cape forests), the Bushpig is listed as Least Concern within the assessment region. No major threats have been identified that may be causing significant declines in the population. The southern Eastern Cape range is no longer considered effectively isolated from the northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province. Given the versatility of Bushpigs (for example, their utilisation of agricultural landscapes), and their capacity to conduct long-range movements, it is expected that conditions for dispersal are still largely similar to those that prevailed in the past. However, the effects of local threats, such as persecution and bushmeat hunting, should be monitored, as local declines or extinctions may be occurring.

Regional population effects: There is presumably immigration from southern Mozambique into northeastern KZN and also across the transfrontier areas in northern Limpopo. However, a sink situation is likely to occur should extra-regional areas exhibit overpopulation. The dispersal capacity of the species is good, so rescue effects are possible.

Distribution

The African distribution of this species is shown in Seydack (2013). It is largely continuous, with some isolated patches in western central Africa (mainly in Angola). Bushpigs have an extensive distribution across much of eastern and southern Africa, but aside from possibly the Caprivi Strip, are absent from Namibia (Skinner & Chimimba 2005). Generally, their distribution in South Africa mostly follows the eastern seaboard and forested highlands and has expanded in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in association with the advance of sugar cane. Recent records show a more western range in the Western Cape than that recorded by Friedman and Daly (2004). Similarly, Figure 1 shows scattered records from the interior of the Free State Province that were not reflected in the previous national assessment or the current global assessment (Friedmann & Daly 2004; Seydack 2016). It is unclear whether this represents a range expansion or previously undetected subpopulations. They are generally found from the northern and eastern parts of the country (and neighbouring Swaziland) to southern KZN and the Western Cape.

There was a perception that there is a gap in their distribution between KZN and East London in the Eastern Cape and that the population in the eastern and southern Cape was isolated (Grubb 1993; Seydack 2013). However, there are sufficient recent (post 2000) data that indicate that the species occurs in a number of forests throughout this perceived distribution gap (de Villiers 2002; Hayward et al. 2005; Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency unpublished camera trap records). Therefore, the assumption that the Western and Eastern Cape population is isolated from the rest of the population is probably inaccurate.

Habitat View more ecological information

Population trend

Trend

Threats

Within the assessment region, expanding human settlements are destroying habitat within this species’ range. Similarly, deforestation and the resulting loss of habitat along the Indian Ocean Coastal Belt Forest is increasing with expanding development and increased farming activities. Additionally, settlements bring Bushpigs into contact with agricultural areas, where they are often persecuted. In some cases, agriculture (for example, sugar cane) may have led to an increase in its range and numbers, while in others (for example, dairy and beef farming) it may have led to a decline. This species is also regarded as a pest on some maize, sugar cane and tree nut production farms, and is therefore persecuted, in some cases severely. As such, they may be subject to localised declines and range contractions in some areas due to large-scale habitat destruction or as a result of hunting for crop protection and local consumption (Vercammen et al. 1993).

Even though Bushpigs are occasionally vulnerable to persecution and official population control measures in agricultural areas, due to crop damage, they are particularly difficult to eliminate considering their preference for sheltered, densely vegetated habitats, nocturnal habits and high reproductive potential (Seydack 2013).

In southeastern KwaZulu-Natal an escaped feral population of Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) of unknown size exists and is interbreeding with the local Bushpig population which will increase genetic contamination.

Uses and trade

This species is used at a subsistence level for food, both legally and illegally (bushmeat). It is a sought-after species to be hunted in southeastern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and the Eastern Cape and has value for both local hunters and as trophies.

Wildlife ranching and the private sector have generally had a positive effect on this species as it has been widely reintroduced onto private properties (or has naturally recolonised wildlife ranches) within its natural distribution. The subpopulations on wildlife ranches are normally self-sustaining and free-roaming; with little management intervention required.

Conservation

This species occurs within a number of protected areas across the assessment region, including Mpenjati Nature Reserve, Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve, Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, Mbumbazi Nature Reserve, Mkambati Nature Reserve, Silaka Nature Reserve, Hluleka Nature Reserve, Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve, East London Coast Nature Reserve, Addo Elephant National Park, Garden Route National Park, Mountain Zebra National Park, Mpofu Nature Reserve, Fort Fordice Nature Reserve, Thomas Baines Nature Reserve, Groendal Nature Reserve, Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve, Isimangaliso Wetland Park, De Hoop Nature Reserve and Swartberg Nature Reserve. The protected areas below the Mpumalanga escarpment and Magoebaskloof are specifically important for this species.

While no specific interventions are necessary at present, private landowners should be encouraged to create conservancies that protect natural forests, which form integral habitat for this species. Given the low densities and recruitment rates of Bushpig, it is unlikely that this species is a suitable candidate for the sustainable, wildlife-based rural economy. Additionally, the introduction of non-native wild pig species should be monitored and prevented as much as possible to avoid hybridisation.

Recommendations for land managers and practitioners:

• Conservation management agencies should institute effective and accurate long-term Bushpig population monitoring programmes.

Research priorities: Currently research is being conducted on the impacts of changing land-use on biodiversity, particularly mammals such as Bushpig, using camera trapping: metapopulation dynamics of forest mammals in the fragmented sub-tropical coastal forests of southern KZN, University of KwaZulu-Natal in collaboration with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (June 2014–June 2016). Additionally, an internal monitoring project on the camera trapping of forest mammals in the Eastern Cape is being conducted by the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency.

• Monitor population density and trends, specifically in areas where this species is hunted.
• The extent of hybridisation with non-native wild pig species in existing subpopulations, especially on private land.
• The effects of wildlife ranching on this species across bioregions.
• Methods to reduce conflict between Bushpig and people, especially within agricultural areas.

Encouraged citizen actions:

• Landowners should create forest conservancies for this species.
• Report sightings of free-roaming animals on private lands or protected areas on MammalMAP, iSpot and KZN Wildlife Watch.