Reproductive ecology of the warthog Phacochoerus aethiopicus and its significance for management in the Eastern Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
1981; Elsevier BV; Volume: 20; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/0006-3207(81)90059-8
ISSN1873-2917
Autores Tópico(s)Amphibian and Reptile Biology
ResumoThe study examines the reproductive potential of the warthog Phacochoerus aethiopicus in the eastern Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania, and establishes the recruitment pattern of the population. The methods involved animal collection and field observations. Results showed that female warthogs reached sexual maturity at about two years of age. There was a fairly high reproductive rate, with 87% of sexually mature females producing an average of 2·6 hoglets each a year. Breeding occurred in April and May, farrowing in September, October and November. This suggested a gestation period of about five months. Females of 4 and 5 years of age were found to be more productive than either younger or older ones. Pre-natal sex ratio was 1:1, but post-natal deviated from unity. Mortality was highest in younger and very old animals. The importance of data on reproductive ecology to efficient game management is stressed.
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