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Animals

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A-Z

Warthog

Phacochoerus africanus

Portrait of a warthog

Photograph by Chris
Johns

Warthog Profile

Warthogs are members of the same family as domestic
pigs, but present a much different appearance. These
sturdy hogs are not among the world's most aesthetically
pleasing animals—their large, flat heads are covered
with "warts," which are actually protective bumps.
Warthogs also sport four sharp tusks. They are mostly
bald, but they do have some sparse hair and a thicker
mane on their backs.

Though warthogs appear
ferocious, they are basically grazers. They eat grasses
and plants, and also use their snouts to dig or "root"
for roots or bulbs. When startled or threatened,
warthogs can be surprisingly fast, running at speeds of
up to 30 miles (48 kilometers) an hour.

Warthogs
are adaptable and are able to go long periods without
water, as much as several months in the dry
season.

When water is available, warthogs will
seek it and often submerge to cool down. They will also
wallow in mud for the same purpose—and to gain relief
from insects. Birds also aid these hogs in their battle
with insects; oxpeckers and other species sometimes ride
along on their warthog hosts, feeding on the tiny
creatures invading their hides.

These African
hogs often utilize empty dens created by aardvarks.
Rather than fight, they often choose flight, and search
for such a den to use as a hidey-hole. They typically
back in, using their tusks to effectively guard the
entrance.

Warthogs also use these dens to have
their young. Females have litters of four or fewer
young, which they suckle for about four
months.

Fast Facts

Type: Mammal

Diet: Herbivore

Average lifespan in the wild: 15
years

Size: Height at shoulder, 30 in (76
cm)

Weight: 120 to 250 lbs (54.5 to 113
kg)

Group name: Sounder

Size relative to a 6-ft (2-m)
man:

Multimedia

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