Editing Common warthog

{{short description|Wild member of the pig family}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Speciesbox
| name = Common warthog
| image = Warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) male.jpg
| image_caption= Male ''P. a. sundevallii''<br>[[Tswalu Kalahari Reserve]], [[South Africa]]
| image2 = Common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus sundevallii) female.jpg
| image2_caption = Female ''P. a. sundevallii''<br>[[Etosha National Park]], [[Namibia]]
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{cite iucn |author1=de Jong, Y.A. |author2=Cumming, D. |author3=d'Huart, J. |author4=Butynski, T. |year=2016 |title=''Phacochoerus africanus'' |errata=2017 |page=e.T41768A109669842 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T41768A44140445.en |access-date=18 April 2022}} Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is of least concern.</ref>
| taxon = Phacochoerus africanus
| authority = ([[Johann Friedrich Gmelin|Gmelin]], 1788)
| range_map = Distribution P. africanus.svg
| range_map_caption = <div style="padding-left:3px; text-align:left;">{{legend|#a6d67f|border=1px solid #978e73|Distribution of the common warthog}}{{legend|#e2a67f|border=1px solid #978e73|Possible range or accidental records}}</div>
| subdivision_ranks = Subspecies
| subdivision = 4 sspp.; see [[#Subspecies|text]]
}}

The '''common warthog''' ('''''Phacochoerus africanus''''') is a wild member of the pig family ([[Suidae]]) found in grassland, savanna, and woodland in [[sub-Saharan Africa]].<ref name=iucn/><ref name= MSW3>{{MSW3|id=14200022}}</ref> In the past, it was commonly treated as a [[subspecies]] of ''P. aethiopicus'', but today that scientific name is restricted to the [[desert warthog]] of northern [[Kenya]], [[Somalia]], and eastern [[Ethiopia]].<ref>{{MSW3|id=14200019}}<!-- not same as other MSW3 reference (see ID number). Do not merge--></ref>

==Subspecies==
{| class="wikitable "
|-
! Image !! Subspecies !! Distribution
|-
|[[File:Nolan warthog (Phacochoerus africanus africanus).jpg|180px]]||Nolan or northern warthog (''P. a. africanus'') <small>[[Johann Friedrich Gmelin|Gmelin]], 1788</small> || [[Benin]], [[Burkina Faso]], [[Cameroon]], [[Central African Republic]], [[Chad]], [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]], [[Ethiopia]], [[The Gambia|Gambia]], [[Ghana]], [[Guinea-Bissau]], [[Ivory Coast]], [[Mauritania]], [[Nigeria]], [[Senegal]], [[South Sudan]], [[Sudan]], [[Togo]]
|-
|[[File:Warthog, Ethiopia (10115363456).jpg|180px]]||Eritrean warthog (''P. a. aeliani'') <small>[[Philipp Jakob Cretzschmar|Cretzschmar]], 1828</small> ||  [[Eritrea]], Ethiopia, [[Djibouti]], [[Somalia]]
|-
|[[File:Warthog 06.JPG|180px]]||Eastern or Central African warthog (''P. a. massaicus'') <small>[[Einar Lönnberg|Lönnberg]], 1908</small> || [[Burundi]], [[Kenya]], [[Rwanda]], [[Tanzania]], [[Uganda]]
|-
|[[File:Common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus sundevallii) female.jpg|180px]]|| Southern warthog (''P. a. sundevallii'') <small>Lönnberg, 1908</small>||  [[Angola]], [[Botswana]], [[Eswatini]], [[Malawi]], [[Mozambique]], [[Namibia]], [[South Africa]], [[Zambia]], [[Zimbabwe]]
|-
|}

==Description==
[[File: Phacochère9.jpg|thumb|left|Skull of a male common warthog]]
[[File:Em - Phacochoerus africanus - 2.jpg|thumb|right|Skeleton at the [[Natural History Museum, London|Natural History Museum]] in [[London]], [[England]]]]
The common warthog is a medium-sized species, with a head-and-body length ranging from {{cvt|0.9|to|1.5|m}}, and shoulder height from {{cvt|63.5|to|85|cm}}. Females, at {{cvt|45|to|75|kg}}, are smaller and lighter than males, at {{cvt|60|to|150|kg}}.<ref name="diversity"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.denverzoo.org/downloads/dzoo_warthog.pdf |title=Common Warthog ''Phacochoerus africanus''|access-date=2013-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515051829/http://www.denverzoo.org/downloads/dzoo_warthog.pdf |archive-date=15 May 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> A warthog is identifiable by the two pairs of [[tusk]]s protruding from the mouth and curving upwards. The lower pair, which is far shorter than the upper pair, becomes razor-sharp by rubbing against the upper pair every time the mouth is opened and closed. The upper [[Canine tooth|canine teeth]] can grow to {{cvt|25.5|cm}} long and have a wide elliptical [[Cross section (geometry)|cross section]], being about {{cvt|4.5|cm}} deep and {{cvt|2.5|cm}} wide. A tusk will curve 90° or more from the root, and will not lie flat on a table, as it curves somewhat backwards as it grows. The tusks are not used for digging,<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last= Wilson|editor1-first= Don E.|editor2-last= Mittermeier|editor2-first= Russell A.|date= 2011|title= Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Vol. 2|publisher= Lynx Edicions|page= 277|isbn= 978-8496553774}}</ref> but are used for combat with other hogs and in defense against predators – the lower set can inflict severe wounds.{{Cn|date=December 2023}}

Common warthog [[ivory]] is taken from the constantly growing canine teeth. The tusks, particularly the upper set, work in much the same way as elephant tusks with all designs scaled down. Tusks are carved predominantly for the tourist trade in eastern and southern [[Africa]].{{cn|date=December 2023}}

The head of the common warthog is large, with a mane down the spine to the middle of the back.<ref name="diversity">{{cite web |last=Creel |first=Eileen |url=http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Phacochoerus_africanus.html |title=Phacochoerus africanus common warthog |publisher=Animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu |date=2005-03-11 |access-date=2013-07-30 |archive-date=29 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829012846/http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Phacochoerus_africanus.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Sparse hair covers the body. Its color is usually black or brown. Tails are long and end with a tuft of hair. Common warthogs do not have subcutaneous fat and the coat is sparse, making them susceptible to extreme environmental temperatures.<ref name="diversity"/>

==Ecology==
[[File:African warthog 10.jpg|upright|230px|thumb|A warthog grazing at [[Addo Elephant National Park]] in [[South Africa]]]]
[[File:Leopard eats alive Warthog ✰Amaizing Video HD 5.png|thumb|Warthog fighting a [[leopard]]]]
The common warthog is the only pig species that has adapted to grazing and savanna habitats.<ref name="Estes 1991">Estes, R. (1991). The Behavior Guide to African Mammals, Including Hoofed Mammals, Carnivores, Primates. Los Angeles, University of California Press. pp. 218–221 {{ISBN|0520080858}}.</ref> Its diet is [[omnivorous]], composed of grasses, roots, berries and other fruits, bark, fungi, insects, eggs and carrion.<ref name="Kleiman 2004">Kleiman, D.G., Geist, V., McDade, M.C. (2004). ''Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia''. The Gale Group Inc.</ref> The diet is seasonably variable, depending on availability of different food items. During the wet seasons, warthogs graze<ref name="Estes 1991"/> on short perennial grasses.<ref name="Kingdon 1979">Kingdon, J. (1979). East African Mammals: An Atlas of Evolution in Africa, Volume 3, Part B: Large Mammals. Chicago, University of Chicago Press. pp. 231–249.</ref> During the dry seasons, they subsist on bulbs, [[rhizomes]], and nutritious roots.<ref name="Estes 1991"/><ref name="Kingdon 1979"/> 

Warthogs are powerful diggers, using both their snouts and feet. When feeding, they often bend their front feet backwards and move around on the wrists.<ref>{{cite book|last=Unwin|first=Mike|title=Southern African wildlife: a visitor's guide|publisher=Bradt Travel Guides|year=2003|page=68|isbn=978-1-84162-060-2}}</ref> Calloused pads that protect the wrists during such movement form early in the development of the fetus. Although they can dig their own burrows, they often occupy abandoned burrows of [[aardvark]]s<ref name="Kingdon 1979"/> and other animals. The common warthog commonly reverses into burrows, with its head facing the opening and ready to burst out if necessary. Common warthogs will wallow in mud to cope with high temperatures and huddle together to cope with low temperatures.<ref>Vercammen, P., Mason, D.R. "[http://www.iucn.org/themes/ssc/sgs/pphsg/APchap4-2.htm Pigs, Peccaries and Hippos Status Survey and Action Plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509091806/http://www.iucn.org/themes/ssc/sgs/pphsg/APchap4-2.htm |date=9 May 2008 }}".</ref>

Although capable of fighting (males fight each other during mating season), the common warthog's primary defense is to flee by means of fast sprinting. When threatened, warthogs can run at speeds of up to {{cvt|48|km/h}}, they will run with their tails sticking up and will enter their dens rear first with tusks facing out.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livescience.com/58337-warthog-facts.html|title=Facts About Warthogs|website=Live Science|date=21 March 2017|access-date=2020-03-16|archive-date=31 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031202626/https://www.livescience.com/58337-warthog-facts.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The common warthog's main predators are [[human]]s, [[lion]]s, [[leopard]]s, [[cheetah]]s, [[Nile crocodile|crocodile]]s, [[African wild dog|wild dog]]s and [[Spotted hyena|hyena]]s. [[Black-backed jackal|Jackal]]s, [[Verreaux's eagle owl]]s and [[martial eagle]]s  sometimes prey on piglets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orion-hotels.net/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=martial-eagle-kills-baby-warthog.html&Itemid=&lang=de|title=Martial Eagle Kills Baby Warthog|website=Orion-hotels.net|access-date=2012-08-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106223058/http://www.orion-hotels.net/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=martial-eagle-kills-baby-warthog.html&Itemid=&lang=de|archive-date=2014-01-06|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>''Owls of the World'' by Konig, Weick & Becking. Yale University Press (2009), {{ISBN|0300142277}}.</ref> However, a female common warthog will defend her piglets aggressively. On occasion, common warthogs have been observed charging and even wounding large predators. Common warthogs have also been observed allowing [[banded mongoose]]s and [[vervet monkey]]s to groom them to remove [[tick]]s.<ref>[http://www.wildwatch.com/living_library/mammals-2/warthog Warthog – Africa's Jester] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405091638/http://www.wildwatch.com/living_library/mammals-2/warthog |date=5 April 2011 }}. Wildwatch.com. Retrieved 2012-08-22.</ref>

==Social behavior and reproduction==

Common warthogs are not territorial, but instead occupy a home range.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Maher, C. R.|author2=Lott, D.F. |title=Definitions of territoriality used in the study of variation in vertebrate spacing systems|doi=10.1016/0003-3472(95)90080-2|year=1995|journal=Animal Behaviour|volume=49|issue=6|page=1581|s2cid=53188426 }}</ref> Common warthogs live in groups called sounders.  Females live in sounders with their young and with other females.<ref name="Kleiman 2004"/> Females tend to stay in their natal groups, while males leave, but stay within the home range.<ref name="Kleiman 2004"/> Subadult males associate in bachelor groups, but males live alone when they become adults.<ref name="Estes 1991"/> Adult males only join sounders with estrous females. Warthogs have two facial glands: the tusk gland and the sebaceous gland. Common warthogs of both sexes begin to mark around six to seven months old.<ref name="Estes 1982">{{cite journal|author1 =Estes, R.D. |author2 =Cumming, D. |author3 =Hearn, G. |year=1982|title=New Facial Gland in Domestic Pig |author4 =Warthog|journal= Journal of Mammalogy |volume=63|issue=4|pages= 618–624|jstor=2462591|doi=10.2307/1380267}}</ref> Males tend to mark more than females.<ref name="Estes 1982"/> They mark sleeping and feeding areas and waterholes.<ref name="Estes 1982"/> Common warthogs use tusk marking for courtship, for antagonistic behaviors, and to establish status.<ref name="Estes 1982"/>
<gallery mode="packed" heights="130px">
Common warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus sundevallii) suckling.jpg|Suckling<br>[[Etosha National park]], [[Namibia]]
female warthog with young.jpg|Female with young<br>[[Etosha National park]], [[Namibia]]
Warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) young males fighting.jpg|Young males fighting<br>[[Tswalu Kalahari Reserve]], [[South Africa]]
Warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) young males eyeballing.jpg|Young male kneels to protect throat<br>[[Tswalu Kalahari Reserve]], [[South Africa]]
Nolan warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus africanus) juveniles drinking.jpg|''P. a. africanus'' juveniles<br>[[Senegal]]
Warthog and Impala, Etosha, Namibia.jpg|Warthog and [[Impala]] at [[Etosha National Park]]
</gallery>

{{anchor|Reproduction}}
Common warthogs are [[seasonal breeder]]s.<ref name="Estes 1991"/> Rutting begins in the late rainy or early dry season and birthing begins near the start of the following rainy season.<ref name="Estes 1991"/> The mating system is described as "overlap promiscuity": the males have ranges overlapping several female ranges, and the daily behavior of the female is unpredictable. Boars employ two mating strategies during the rut. With the "staying tactic", a boar will stay and defend certain females or a resource valuable to them.<ref name="Sandell 1992">{{cite journal|author1 =Sandell, M. |author2 =Liberg, O.|year=1992|title=Roamers Stayers: A Model on Male Mating Tactics and Mating Systems|journal=The American Naturalist|volume= 139|issue=1|pages= 177–189|jstor=2462591|doi=10.1086/285319|s2cid =85392231}}</ref> In the "roaming tactic", boars seek out estrous sows and compete for them.<ref name="Sandell 1992"/> Boars will wait for sows to emerge from their burrows.<ref name="Estes 1991"/> A dominant boar will displace any other boar that also tries to court his female. When a sow leaves her den, the boar will try to demonstrate his dominance and then follow her before copulation.<ref name="Estes 1991"/> For the "staying tactic", monogamy, female-defense [[Polygyny in animals|polygyny]], or resource-defense polygyny is promoted, while the "roaming tactic" promotes scramble-competition polygyny.<ref name="Sandell 1992"/>

The typical [[gestation]] period is five to six months. When they are about to give birth, sows temporarily leave their families to farrow in a separate hole.<ref name="Estes 1991"/> The [[Litter (animal)|litter]] is two to eight piglets, with two to four typical. The sow will stay in the burrow for several weeks, nursing her piglets.<ref name="Estes 1991"/> Common warthog sows have been observed to nurse foster piglets if they lose their own litter.<ref name="Jensen 1999">Jensen, S.P., Siefert, L., Okori, J.J.L., Clutlon-Brock, T.H. (1999). "Age Related Participation in Allosucking by Nursing Warthogs." ''Journal of Zoology'' London 248(4): 443–449</ref> This behavior, known as allosucking, makes them [[alloparenting|cooperative breeders]]. Allosucking does not seem to be a case of mistaken identity or milk theft,<ref name="Jensen 1999"/> and may be a sign of kin altruism. Piglets begin grazing at about two to three weeks and are weaned by six months.<ref name="Estes 1991"/> Piglets quickly attain mobility and stay close to their mothers for defense.<ref>Walther, F. R. (1984). ''Communication and Expression in Hoofed Mammals''. Bloomington, Indiana University Press {{ISBN|0253313805}}</ref> Common warthogs live for an average of 7 to 11 years in the wild. Captive specimens on the other hand can live for an average of 21 years. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Creel |first=Eileen |title=Phacochoerus africanus (common warthog) |url=https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Phacochoerus_africanus/ |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=Animal Diversity Web |language=en |archive-date=15 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215090541/https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Phacochoerus_africanus/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Conservation status==
As of 1999, the common warthog population in southern Africa was estimated to be about 250,000.<ref>Cumming, D. H. M. (1999). ''Study on the development of Transboundary Natural Resource Management Areas in Southern Africa&nbsp;– Environmental Context''. Natural Resources, Land Use, and Conservation. Biodiversity Support Program. Washington, DC, USA.</ref> Typical densities range between {{cvt|1|and|10|km2}} in protected areas, but local densities of {{cvt|77|km2}} were found on short grass in [[Lake Nakuru|Nakuru National Park]] in Kenya.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Radke |first=R. |year=1991 |title=Monographie des warzenschweines (''Phacochoerus aethiopicus'') |trans-title=Monograph on the warthog (''Phacochoerus aethiopicus'') |journal=Bongo |location=Berlin |volume=18 |pages=119–134 |language=de}}</ref> The species is susceptible to drought and hunting (especially with dogs), which may result in localized extinctions.<ref name=iucn/> The common warthog is present in numerous protected areas across its extensive range.<ref name=iucn/>

==As an invasive species==
In 2020, it was noted that a population of warthogs, descendants of escaped individuals from game ranches, were running free in southern [[Texas]] in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lsonews.com/warthogs-loose-texas-african-hogs-likely-escapees-ranches-import-exotics/|title=Warthogs on the loose in Texas — African hogs likely escapees from ranches that import exotics - Texas Hunting & Fishing &#124; Lone Star Outdoor News|date=9 May 2015|website=www.lsonews.com|access-date=30 March 2023|archive-date=30 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330225620/https://www.lsonews.com/warthogs-loose-texas-african-hogs-likely-escapees-ranches-import-exotics/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|33em}}

==External links==
{{Wiktionary}}
*{{Wikispecies-inline|Phacochoerus africanus}}
*{{Commons category-inline|Phacochoerus africanus}}

{{Artiodactyla|S.}}

{{Taxonbar|from=Q183255}}

[[Category:Phacochoerus|common warthog]]
[[Category:Mammals of Sub-Saharan Africa]]
[[Category:Mammals described in 1788|common warthog]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Johann Friedrich Gmelin]]

[[el:Φακόχοιρος]]
[[fr:Phacochère]]