Habitat and Geographical Distribution: Savannahs, steppes and semi-deserts in Africa, from Mauritania to Ethiopia and to southwards to Namibia and South Africa. Found up to 3000m altitude on Kilimanjaro but also at sea level in coastal areas.
Diet: Omnivores: plants, roots, berries, bark and occasionally carrion.
Reproduction: Viviparous. They are not territorial but during the breeding season fights between males may occur. Gestation of 170-175 days, litters of 1 -7 piglets. Offspring are weaned at 21 days of age.
Behaviour: Live in small groups, where females live with their offspring and other females, while males live alone and apart, only joining females in the breeding season. Both sexes mark their territory, but males do so more than females; marking begins at 6-7 months of age. They use mud to cool off and to make a protective layer against parasites and insects.
Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN)
