Reproduction in the male warthog <i>Phacochoerus aethiopicus</i> from Zululand, South Africa

Abstract

Parameters of male sexual function in warthogs Phacochoerus aethiopicus were investigated using material from cropping operations in Zululand. Based on the occurrence of spermatozoa and elongating spermatids in the seminiferous tubules, attainment of sexual maturity was recorded at about 17 to 18 months of age when minimum mass of paired testes is about 25 g and body mass about 45 kg. Minimum values recorded for mean tubule diameters of adults were already attained by some yearlings at 16 and 17 months of age. Although yearling males were observed to display sexual interest in females, probably few participate in breeding because of competition from older, larger males. As indicators of sexual function, testes mass and seminiferous tubule diameter showed a regular seasonal fluctuation, first becoming manifest among yearlings. However, the mean and maximum values of these parameters continued to increase until about three years of age.