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

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

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

Wild Ways - 2nd Edition - Author: Peter Apps - Published: 2000 - Page: 136

Tracks and Tracking in Southern Africa - Author: Louis Liebenberg - Published: 2000 - Page: 100

The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa - Author: P. Briggs - Published: 2020 - Page: 344

The Natal Bushveld - Volume 2 - Author: Natal Parks Board - Published: 1981 - Page: 19

The Mammal Guide of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 2011 - Page: 92

Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 61

South African Animals in the Wild - Author: Anthony Bannister - Published: 1985 - Page: 67

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

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

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

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

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

Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 1987 - Page: 77

Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Published: 1980 - Page: 82

Maberlys Mammals of Southern Africa - Revised edition - Author: Richard Goss - Published: 1986 - Page: 215

Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Published: 1986 - Page: 147

Kruger National Park Questions and Answers - Author: P.F. Fourie - Published: 1987 - Page: 91

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 419

Game Ranger in your Backpack - Author: Megan Emmett and Sean Pattrick - Published: 2013 - Page: 74

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

Field Guide to the Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. de V. Pienaar et al. - Published: 1987 - Page: 108

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

Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1997 - Page: 82

Field Guide to the Cradle of Humankind - Author: B. Hilton-Barber & Prof. L. R. Berger - Published: 2004 - Page: 159

Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Published: 1987 - Page: 11

Chris and Tilde Stuarts Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 1st Edit - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1988 - Page: 176

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

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

A Field Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Southern and East African Wildlife - 3rd - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2000 - Page: 86

A Field Guide to the Mammals of Africa including Madagascar - Author: Theodor Haltenorth and Helmut Diller - Published: 1980 - Page: 31

African Wildlife Foundation

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List of South African Mammals