Interesting facts about warthogs

THE name warthog comes from the big wart-like structures that are found on their faces. These warts are made of fatty deposits. Male warthogs have two sets and females only have one set. These are thought to serve as protection when fighting with other warthogs.

Warthogs are not the most attractive animals on the African savannah but they don’t seem to mind. They can often be seen while on safari running with their tails up, stopping suddenly to look around, shovelling dirt with their strong snouts and rolling in mud puddles when the opportunity arises.

Warthogs can be very fierce as well. This is necessary as they are a preferred meal for predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas. Warthog piglets can also be caught and eaten by jackals, caracals and even eagles.

Warthogs have many different ways to try to protect themselves and their sounder (group) from hungry predators. Starting with the head of the warthogs, you will notice big white tusks protruding to the side of their snout. These are modified canine teeth and used for protection against danger, fighting with other warthogs and digging for food. When fighting, the big tusks are used along with their, even more dangerous, razor sharp teeth. The teeth on their lower jaw are kept sharp by moving them against the upper tusks. These sharp teeth can slice through the skin of a predator in one swipe.

• Many safari guests are amused to see a warthog run with its tail in the air.

When one warthog runs with its tail up, the whole group does it too! This is actually an easy way for the warthogs to follow each other as they can easily see the tail, especially in long grass where the bodies of their friends might be hard to spot.

• Warthogs are diurnal, which means they are active during the day and sleep at night. They usually sleep in an underground burrow to keep them safe from predators. They can dig these holes themselves, but often use old aardvark or porcupine holes and redecorate them a bit before moving in.

• Warthogs have more than one burrow. We see them taking note of which ones they are closest to as they move through an area. As soon as the need arises, a warthog will dash into a hole and stay there until the predator has left and it is safe to come out.

• These clever piggies also let the biggest warthog reverse into the hole last so that it can block the entrance with its large strong head, tusks and razor sharp teeth in case a predator comes sniffing around.

• Warthogs mainly eat grass but will also dig for roots and bulbs. If they have an opportunity, they will scavenge on meat as they are omnivorous. They are often seen with their front legs bent when they are eating.

— kariega.co.za