The warthog is a type of pig. This animal can only be found in Africa, south of the Sahara. Warthogs can be found in arid and moist savannas, open plains, and grasslands. Unlike most animals, warthogs can survive for several months to a year in areas with no water supply. Droughts and hunting are the two most serious threats to warthog survival. Warthogs are not currently listed as an endangered species.
Interesting facts about Warthogs:
Warthogs can grow to be 4 to 6 feet long and weigh between 110 and 260 pounds. Males weigh 20 to 50 pounds more than females.
Warthogs get their name from the wart-like bumps on their large, elongated face.
Warthogs can range in color from grey to black. The bristles on their skin are sparse. Warthogs, like horses, have manes.
Warthogs have two sets of tusks. Upper tusks are longer and curve inward toward one another. They are used in fights during the mating season as well as for predator protection.
Warthogs have a long tail with a tuft at the end. When running, warthogs maintain an upright position with their tails. In that position, the tail appears to be a flag in the wind.
Warthogs can run up to 30 miles per hour despite their appearance.
Lions and leopards are the primary predators of warthogs. To protect themselves from predators, warthogs will hide in an underground hole and expose their sharp tusks.
Warthogs have a frightening appearance, but they are very peaceful and will avoid conflict whenever possible.
The warthog eats grass and digs for underground tubers, bulbs, and roots with its long snout.
Warthogs have padded knees that allow them to eat grass while kneeling.
Warthog has poor vision but excellent smell and hearing.
Warthogs make a variety of sounds (depending on the occasion). Males make grunting sounds during mating season. When threatened, warthogs squeal to alert the rest of the group to the impending danger.
Warthogs live in small groups of females and their offspring. The sounder is a group of warthogs.
Males live alone. They only join the group during mating season.
Warthogs mate at the end of the rainy season or at the start of the dry season. Pregnancy lasts 5 to 6 months and results in four babies. Females have four teats, but each baby only uses one. Even if one baby dies, other babies cannot take the “free” teat.
Young warthogs drink milk for four months, but they begin eating grass as soon as they reach the age of two months. Children will remain with their mother until the next litter is born.
In the wild, warthogs have an average lifespan of 15 years.
