Coming in as Animal Planet’s sixth ugliest animal in the world, the poor little warthog has made an unfortunate name for itself. With long, thin legs, a hairy back and head, two sets of tusks (four individual tusks all together), and a wart covered head, it’s no wonder this unpopular creature is getting picked on. But, to the contrary, if you observe the warthog in its entire splendor, you may find them to be quite cute!
As relatives of the pig, warthogs are delightful to watch in the wild as they prance side by side along the moist and arid African savannah, nibbling on grass, plants, and roots. The average weight of the warthog is 120 – 250 lbs., with an average life span of 15 years, and an estimated height of 30 in.
Weird Warthog Facts:
• The warts on the sides of the warthog’s head are not actually warts. Rather, they are thick pads that help protect the warthog from sharp tusk wounds from other warthogs during male-on-male fighting.
• The warthog lives in groups called sounders, which are usually comprised of up to a dozen individuals.
• Baby warthogs are born in burrows beneath the ground, where they stay for 6 – 7 weeks after birth. On average, one female warthog will have anywhere from 2 – 5 babies in one birthing. Warthog offspring will stay with their mother for up to two years before leaving.
• When a lion, leopard, or any other predator charges after a warthog, the warthog will scurry as fast as it can—sometimes reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour—to the nearest burrow and go down the burrow backside first in order to protect itself with its husks if the predator gets too close.
• The warthog can go without water for months at a time if need be.
• Warthogs can be—well, pigs. Marking their territory with saliva and urine, warthogs aren’t the cleanliest of creatures. In addition to these icky habits, warthogs also love to roll around in mud to keep cool and scrape off parasites.
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The beautiful photographs in this post are provided by Dave Estment a well-known South African photographer and are copyrighted by Dave Estment. To see more of Dave’s gorgeous work, please visit http://www.naomiestment.wordpress.com. Thank you very much Dave & Naomi for sharing your work with us and everyone wanting to Live the Magic of Africa.
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While it would be cool to see a warthog in person, I don’t think I’d want to get too close. They’re certainly interesting looking creatures aren’t they?
Michelle, I really love these cute little animals. They don’t look very appealing do they? But the way they run around is so cute, really, and they live in huge crowds, with their little babies, foraging food. They really are cute. You’ll have to take yourself away on a safari and you’ll come back loving them. Let me know, OK?
Stunning article, Sandy & thanks for show-casing Dave’s photography so beautifully!
I must second what you say to Michelle – do come and meet them for yourself
To know these little guys is to absolutely love them – spotting “pumba’s” in the wild is a never-fading delight!
Yes, Naomi, the warthogs are so special and show such a good family bond.
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