Warthog

species of mammal

Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) are members of the pig family. They are found in most of Africa south of the Sahara and are widely distributed in East Africa. They are the only pigs able to live in areas without water for several months of the year. By tolerating a higher-than-normal body temperature, the warthog is perhaps able to conserve moisture inside its body that might otherwise be used for cooling.Camels and desert gazelles have developed a similar mechanism for survival in hot, arid environments.

Warthog
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Family:
Genus:
Species:
P. africanus
Binomial name
Phacochoerus africanus
(Pallas, 1766)
Video of grazing warthogs
Skull

Description change

The warthog is a large bodied animal. Males are bigger than females. Both sexes have tusks which they use for fighting and defending themselves. They weigh between 45 and 150 kg (99 and 331 lb).[1]

Behavior change

Habitat change

Warthogs are found in moist and arid savannas. They avoid rainforest, deserts and high mountains.

References change

  1. Creel, Eileen. "Phacochoerus africanus (common warthog)". Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved 2023-06-11.