The influence of active bomas on habitat choice of the common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus)

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.