Interesting Warthog facts

June 21, 2010 | In: Animal facts for kids

Warthogs are not considered one of the more attractive members of the animal kingdom — except perhaps by the people who study them, and by other warthogs, of course. These bristly, thick-skinned animals are a species of wild pig found in the savanna of southern Africa. They get their name from the wart-like skin growths on either side of the male’s head.

Male warthogs also have four tusks used for fighting and defense: two short lower tusks that serve as sharp weapons and are about 8 inches long, and two curved upper tusks that can reach lengths of over 2 feet in some older males.

Although they are not generally aggressive, males fight highly ritualized battles during the breeding season for access to females.

Because their upper tusks are blunt, and the warts may protect their eyes and lessen the impact of blows received from other males, most warthogs do not suffer any serious injuries during these battles.

When threatened by predators, such as cheetahs, wild dogs and hyenas, warthogs will hide in burrows dug by other animals, especially aardvarks. They may also use these burrows to sleep, give birth and escape the heat.

Warthogs have to kneel down on their front legs in order to eat! This is due to their relatively long legs and short neck. To make the position more comfortable, warthogs have developed thick knee pads to protect their front knees.

Warthogs feed mainly on short grasses and herbs, and sometimes on fruit, leaves, and bulbs. Although warthogs are usually silent, they grunt while eating.