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Thorp, Pärerik, 2012. The influence of active bomas on habitat choice of the common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus). First cycle, G2E. Skara: SLU, Dept. of Animal Environment and Health (until 231231)

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Abstract

The common warthog (Phachocoerus africanus) is a relatively long-legged pig with noticeable curved tusks, a short neck and three pairs of facial warts. It has four recognized subspecies. The common warthog is a non-migratory ungulate living on the African savannah. It is a hindgut fermenter and predominantly dependent on high-quality foods. It prefers open areas for grazing but use bushes for cover. Warthogs prefer former bomas because of the nutrient enrichment that has occurred there and they also distribute their faeces close to their feeding grounds. Warthogs are a pioneer species when it comes to recolonizing abandoned bomas. Warthogs are bearers of several diseases harmful to livestock and are therefore often chased from active bomas. The aim of this study was to investigate how active bomas influence the habitat choice of warthogs. The study was carried out in the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the adjoining Koyake group ranch, in august 2003 and May-June 2004, using well defined study areas; transects. Results showed that warthogs favour the transects farthest away from the bomas. Warthogs probably favour the security of grazing among other species in order to avoid being caught by predators. Other herbivores might also feed on plant species less attractive to warthogs and thereby allowing plant species that warthogs favour to grow.

Main title:The influence of active bomas on habitat choice of the common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus)
Authors:Thorp, Pärerik
Supervisor:Yngvesson, Jenny
Examiner:Lidfors, Lena
Series:Studentarbete / Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, Institutionen för husdjurens miljö och hälsa
Volume/Sequential designation:387
Year of Publication:2012
Level and depth descriptor:First cycle, G2E
Student's programme affiliation:EODKP Ethology and Animal Welfare Programme 180 HEC
Supervising department:(VH) > Dept. of Animal Environment and Health (until 231231)
Keywords:common warthog, behaviour, active bomas, habitat choice
URN:NBN:urn:nbn:se:slu:epsilon-s-1034
Permanent URL:
http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:slu:epsilon-s-1034
Subject. Use of subject categories until 2023-04-30.:Animal ecology
Language:English
Deposited On:30 Mar 2012 14:21
Metadata Last Modified:20 Apr 2012 14:25

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