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Warthog
Afrikaans name: Vlakvark
Warthog
Photo © Steven Herbert
Phacochoerus africanus
Interesting facts about Warthogs
The Warthog is a common animal in many parts of Sub-Saharan African. As you would expect from its looks it is a member of the pig family. They live in groups called sounders.
The Warthog gets its name from four fatty lumps on its face which resemble warts. Apparently these help protect the animal from injury during fighting. They also possess two pairs of tusks.
Males are larger than females and can, on occasion, weigh nearly 150 kg.
Warthogs eat grass, roots and bulbs. They can often be seen 'kneeling' on their front legs as they dig for food.
Warthogs are preyed upon by a variety of animals such as Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards and Nile Crocodiles. Large birds of prey will take youngsters. Warthogs will defend themselves aggressively.
Females normally give birth to 2 to 4 young but they can have up to 8.
Warthogs favour grassland, mashes and savanna. They love taking mud-baths so will not normally be far from some form of water.
Photo © Steven Herbert
Above and below - Warthogs aren't the prettiest creatures around but they do have a personality all of their own.
Photo © Steven Herbert
References and further reading
An Introduction to the Larger Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Joanna Dalton - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 173Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 11
Chris and Tilde Stuart's Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 1988 - Page: 176
Field Guide to the Cradle of Humankind - Author: B. Hilton-Barber & Prof. L. R. Berger - Year Published: 2004 - Page: 159
Field Guide to the Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. de V. Pienaar et al. - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 108
Kruger National Park Questions and Answers - Author: P.F. Fourie - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 91
Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 147
Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillier - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 77
Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Year Published: 1980 - Page: 82
Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 419
Signs of the Wild - Author: Clive Walker - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 149
Wild Issue 21 - Author: - Year Published: 2012 - Page: 75