Direct observation of avian carrion consumption by free-ranging common warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus)

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64640/48hby1k5

Keywords:

carrion, dietary flexibility, feeding behaviour, scavenging, Suidae, common warthog, crested francolin, Namibia

Abstract

Common warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) are predominantly grazing herbivores but occasionally consume animal matter. We report an adult female and two juveniles consuming the carcass of a Crested Francolin (Ortygornis sephaena) in north-central Namibia. The female investigated, seized and tore open the carcass before both juveniles joined her. All three consumed soft tissue and bone, and almost the entire carcass was consumed within approximately five minutes. Previous studies report warthog scavenging and indirect evidence of francolin consumption, but our literature search located no previous direct field record of avian carrion consumption by common warthogs.

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Published

2026-11-12

Issue

Vol. 11 (2026): Namibian Journal of Environment

Section

Section B: Short Communications

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Articles in this journal are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License. The copyright of all articles and field notes belongs to the authors. All other copyright is held by the journal.