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Phacochoerus aethiopicus
Description - Other Names - Distribution - Taxonomy
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Warthogs are common in most areas and usually live in small family groups of up to seven strong. At night, they rest in holes and burrows, coming out by day to feed and drink. When threatened, they run for their burrows and enter rear end first, tusks facing outwards to ward off any danger.
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Warthogs are well adapted to their particular way of life. Kneeling down, they use their toughened snout to scratch and dig for roots and graze on grass and other vegetation close to the ground.
Warthogs have a sparsely haired grayish skin and peculiar fleshy lumps or 'warts' on their face, from which the animal derives its name. The male has 2 pairs of these warts while the female only has one. Both sexes have tusks which protrude from near the front of the head, those of the male being much larger than those of the female.
The long, thin, tufted tails are held stiffly upright when running. It is believed to help members of a group to see each other and remain close when running through tall grass. Warthogs are also well-known for their strength and toughness, and never hesitate to put up a fierce, relentless fight if cornered.
Warthog litters vary from 1-5 young being born after a gestation period of 5 months.
Distribution map
of the
Warthog
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