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

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References and further reading

African Wildlife - A photographic safari - Author: Nigel and Wendy Dennis - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 86

An Introduction to the Larger Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Joanna Dalton - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 173

Animals 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 - 1st Edition - 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 Larger Mammals of Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 1997 - Page: 82

Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 2001 - Page: 176

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

Questions and Answers - Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Year Published: 1990 - Page: 3

Questions and Answers - Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Year Published: 1990 - Page: 17

Questions and Answers - Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Year Published: 1990 - Page: 27

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

Sasol First Field Guide to Animal Tracks of Southern Africa - Author: Louis Liebenberg - Year Published: 2003 - Page: 44

Signs of the Wild - 3rd Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 149

Signs of the Wild - 5th Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Year Published: 1996 - Page: 138

Wild Issue 21 - Author: - Year Published: 2012 - Page: 75

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 220

List of South African Mammals