Potamochoerus larvatus, or bushpig, ranges from Somalia to eastern and southern former Zaire and southwards to Cape Province and Natal in South Africa. They were probably introduced onto Madagascar, Comoro and Mayotte Islands. There are currently three provisional subspecies; P. l. hassama, P. l. somaliensis, and P. l. koiropotamus. The principle systematic division within the subspecies is between the white-faced animals of eastern Africa and the remaining populations of both southern Africa and Madagascar. (Kingdon, 1997; Lloyd and Millar, 1983; Smithers, 1983; Thomas and Kolbe, 1942; Vercammen, Seydack, and Oliver, 1993)

 

The range of this species has changed, and there is insufficient data on its former distribution. Recently, expansion of the Sahel zone has led to a reduction in cover and the availability of open water in northeastern Africa, resulting in a contraction in the range of P. larvatus in that region. Nonetheless, P. larvatus seems to have maintained its presence over the majority of its former range, and recent, localized expansion in its range has been reported in some areas. (Kingdon, 1997; Lloyd and Millar, 1983; Smithers, 1983; Thomas and Kolbe, 1942; Vercammen, Seydack, and Oliver, 1993)

 

Biogeographic Regions: Ethiopian; Ethiopian :: Introduced; Ethiopian :: Native