Warthog - Ugly Is Beautiful

Signs warning of the presence of Warthog are common along the highway in northern Namibia.


They graze along the highway verges and often cross the road in front of oncoming vehicles - hitting one of them can severely damage a small car or cause death if the driver swerves and loses control.


On my recent visits to Etosha I saw a few groups, (or 'sounders' as they're officialy known), feeding close to waterholes, like the sow and her two babes above.


Warthogs often get down on their front knees to feed on roots and tubers and over time develop callouses. They feed mainly during the day and at night sleep in abandoned antbear holes which they've adjusted to suit their own requirements.


Sounders usually consist of an adult male and female and her offspring of one or two consecutive litters - despite their appearance they seem quite affectionate towards each other and fiercely protect their young.


The warthog's name is derived from the protuberances on their faces, more prominent in the males, as can be seen from the pic above - two below the small beady eyes and two above the snout.

Warthog meat is eaten by humans - I tried it once but didn't like it.


Warthogs love to wallow in mud as can be seen from the white coloring of the animal above, (look at the size of this one's tusks too), - a mud coating assists in protection against biting flies and also plays a role in thermo-regulation.


Despite their ugly appearance warthogs are endearing creatures and even have a trucking company named after them - another warthog on the road to look out for ...

References:
Amy Schoeman - Notes On Nature
RHN Smithers - Land Mammals Of South Africa

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