Common warthog

The common warthog is a wild member of the pig family that lives in the grasslands, savannas and woodlands of Africa south of the Sahara. It stands about 63 to 85 centimetres at the shoulder and weighs 45 to 150 kilograms, with males heavier than females.

It gets its name from the lumps, or 'warts', on its face. It also has two pairs of curved tusks that stick up out of the mouth, and a mane down its back. When it runs, it holds its tail straight up like a little flag. Despite the fierce look, it is mainly a shy grazer that depends on burrows for safety.

What are the tusks for?

The upper tusks can grow about 25 centimetres long and curve up and back. The shorter lower pair rubs against the upper ones and becomes razor-sharp. The tusks are not for digging; they are used to fight other warthogs and to defend against predators.

Warthogs sleep in burrows dug by other animals and back in, so their tusks face any visitor. Its warts are not warts at all; they are bumps on the face, and in males they are larger.

What do warthogs eat?

They are the only pig that has adapted to grazing on savanna grass, but they are omnivores that also eat roots, berries, bark, fungi, insects and eggs.

To graze on short grass they kneel on their padded front wrists, which is why they are often seen shuffling along on their knees. Females give birth to two to seven piglets. They have no layer of fat under the skin and only a sparse coat, so extreme heat or cold is hard on them.

On the globe

The model shows a warthog with facial warts and curved tusks, tail held up.