Warthog

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.

Skull

Warthog
Scientific classification
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P. africanus
Binomial name
Phacochoerus africanus
(Pallas, 1766)

Description

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

Habitat

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

References

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