Notochoerus

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Notochoerus
Temporal range: Miocene–Pliocene
Extinct giant pigs.jpg
The extant warthog in comparison with the extinct Metridiochoerus andrewsi and Notochoerus eulius.
Scientific classification e
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Suidae
Subfamily: Tetraconodontinae
Genus: Notochoerus
Species
  • N. capensis
  • N. clarki
  • N. euilus
  • N. scotti

Notochoerus is an extinct genus of very large pigs from the subfamily Tetraconodontinae. Fossils have been found in Africa, notably Uganda and Ethiopia.[1]

Description[]

Notochoerus were among the largest pigs ever, with adults weighing up to 450 kg (990 lbs).[2] These pigs were likely derived from the genus Nyanzachoerus. Like other tetraconodontine pigs, the males had ornamental growths on their skulls, formed from enamel.

References[]

  1. ^ "A new species of Notochoerus (Artiodactyla, Suidae) from the Pliocene of Ethiopia". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 24: 474–480. doi:10.1671/2499.
  2. ^ Evolving Eden By Alan Turner and Mauricio Anton
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