Warthog (Phacochoerus sp.)

While other species of pig do best in moist areas with dense cover, warthogs have adapted to the more arid regions of Africa. Warthogs have been classified into two species, the desert warthog (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) and the common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus). The desert warthog differs from the common warthog in skull proportions and is on average smaller in size. The presence of long-lived molars and the absence of functional incisors suggests that the desert warthog is a less selective feeder. The common warthog uses its incisors to wrench grass from the soil or excavate mineral rich earth. Desert warthogs, with their hard, sharp-edged lips and more durable molars, are able to more thoroughly chew and ingest dry, fibrous grass roots.

Warthogs are relatively long legged and short necked with prominent, curved tusks. They run at a high, jaunty trot, with back straight and very narrow tail held vertically. Feeding animals drop to their knees and commonly proceed to graze in this position, with their hindquarters raised. Males can weigh 60-150kg and stand 105-150cm tall. The facial 'warts' of a warthog consist of three paired masses of thickened skin and connective tissue adapted for protecting the jaws, eyes, and muzzle from fractures and bruises inflicted during 'tusk-wrestling.' Warthogs lack fur and surface fat and will insulate burrows with grass, huddle together, and bask in the sun to conserve heat. Deep burrows are essential to escape fluctuating temperatures and to protect against predators.

Warthogs are well distributed throughout savanna and open-woodland areas of tropical Africa. As a whole, warthogs are abundant in Ethiopia, ranging up to 3,000m in elevation. The species most likely found in the Ethiopian highlands is P. africanus, P. aethiopicus being prominent in lower altitudes and deserts. For some time, warthogs have become targets for hunters and poachers as an alternative source of hides and ivory in several countries of the Horn of Africa, especially Somalia. However, in those regions where a Muslim culture predominates, the species does not suffer the same level of persecution for food products as elsewhere. The desert warthogs limited and contracting range and potential levels of exploitation qualify the species for the 'Vulnerable' category in the IUCN Red List. Common warthogs are well represented in national parks and listed in the 'Widespread and Abundant' category.

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