Description and
Characteristics: A member of the pig family warthogs are black,
grey or brown in colour, with dark mane and tail; white cheek whiskers. Their
bodies are covered with sparse coarse bristly hair. They have a long face with
fleshy warts and protruding tusks.
Warthogs are sociable animals and
are usually found in groups consisting of 1 or 2 sows and young offspring.
Males (boars) usually travel alone. Boars have more prominent warts than sows.
They are primarily used to protect the face during fights.
Warthogs use
burrows for shelter and when entering, the warthog backs in enabling them to
defend themselves. In the mornings, warthogs burst out of their burrows at top
speed to get a running start on any predators that may be lurking nearby.
Although they look fierce, warthogs would rather run than fight. But
they can be fierce opponents if forced.
Feeding/drinking Habits: Warthogs are grazers
feeding mainly on grasses, roots, berries, bark, and occasionally carrion.
Warthogs will travel up to 7 km a day in search of good food and water. Whilst
grazing, they kneel on their front legs and even move around on their knees.
Habitat: They are found in most
of Africa south of the Sahara and are widely distributed in East Africa.
Usually found in savannah and lightly forested areas.
Size & Lifespan Weighs 50 to 200 kg. 90 to
150 cms in length; standing between 64cm and 85.0 cm tall at the shoulder
Males are heavier and slightly larger than females. They live up to 15
years in the wild
Reproduction: Warthogs are seasonal breeders with
the mating season taking place when the main rainy season ends. They reach
sexual maturity at about 18 to 20 months but males generally do not begin
mating until they are 4 years old. The gestation period is between 170 and 175
days. The young usually remain with the mothers for 2 years before venturing
off to form their own families
Predators and
Threats: Warthogs are not currently endangered but they are prey
of lions, leopards, Spotted hyena, cheetah and Wild dog
Warthogs (Bridgestone Animals)
Kevin J. Holmes Reading Level: Ages 4-8 Introduces the warthog's physical
characteristics, habits, food, and relationship to humans. Buy
From (amazon.com) - USA(amazon.co.uk) - UK
