A technique for the capture of the warthog, Phacochoerus aethiopicus Pallas

Summary Warthog were captured at holes in which they sleep at night, using a tunnel shaped net which was set at the entrance to occupied holes at dawn. Construction of the net and the manner in which it was set are described. The results of 125 successful captures involving 426 warthog are presented. Percentage of successful capture days was 72%, success per hole attempted was 68% with a mean (± one S.D.) of 3–4±2-0 warthog captured per hole. The largest single catch was of eleven warthog. Mortality due to capture was 1–2%. Times at which holes were blocked, times spent waiting for warthog to emerge and times taken to handle catches are also presented. The method proved to be safe and no injuries were incurred by members of the catching team which usually comprised twelve to fifteen men. The technique was used primarily to mark animals for later identification but was also used successfully as a management tool. No tranquillizing or immobilizing drugs were used on captured animals. Alternative techniques for catching warthog are discussed briefly.