Warthogs

Warthog at Osnabrück Zoo

Image: Hamsterkiste

Warthogs are found in Africa south of the Sahara. They get their name from the warts on the sides of their heads. They have a very wide mouth, thin legs and a long tail with a tuft at the end. They can weigh up to 140 kg. Female warthogs are much smaller and lighter than males. Warthogs feed on grass, fallen fruit, berries, bark and carrion. They also dig for roots, grazing and digging while kneeling on their front legs. They live in herds of 4–10, but older males are usually solitary.

Warthogs can defend themselves well against cheetahs and wild dogs with their tusks, but not against lions and leopards. They live in old aardvark burrows, backing into them and leaving headfirst. An adult female gives birth to 1 to 4 piglets once a year. Warthogs can live for about 18 years. 

Find out:

1. Where are warthogs found?
2. How heavy can these animals get?
3. What do they eat?
4. How many animals live in a herd?
5. Which animals can they defend themselves against effectively?
6. But what animals can pose a danger to them?
7. Where do warthogs live?
8. How old can they get?