The most common of Africa’s wild pig, the endearing warthog is an unusually slender and long-legged swine whose near-hairless gray coat is offset by a long pale mane that runs from the head down the spine. It is named for the trio of callus-like facial ‘warts’, and in most individuals these are less conspicuous than the large white tusks, which can grow to be 2ft long in the case of a large male
Where to see Warthog in Africa
Warthogs are common and conspicuous in most African safari destinations
Did you know?
Conservation
Both species of warthog are classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The smaller range of the desert warthog means it is far less numerous overall than the common warthog, and a subspecies of desert warthog with a disjunct range centered on South Africa’s Western Cape was hunted to extinction in the 19th century.
Feeding
Just like domestic pigs, warthogs are undiscerning omnivores. Their favorite food comprises roots and bulbs, which they take up dig from the grounds using their strong tusks and elongated snouts. But they will eat almost anything else that crosses the path, be it fruit, agricultural crops, carrion or newborn animals.
Social Structure
Warthogs are very sociable creatures that move in nuclear family groups comprising an adult male and female and up to five sub-adult offspring. By day, they are most often seen trotting around briskly, tails raised stiffly in the air. At night, they retire to subterranean burrows, which have often been appropriated from aardvarks or other digging animals
