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 life span 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
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