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Common warthog

Phacochoerus africanus

Description:

A tough and sturdy animal, the warthog is unmistakable with its four large wart-like protrusions found on its oversize head. Long bristles form a mane from the top of its head down the spine to the middle of the back. As seen on the first and third shot the warthog carries its tail upright while running. Spotted here in the Masai Mara.

Habitat:

Open woodland savanna. Found in most of Africa south of the Sahara and widely distributed in East Africa.

Notes:

This member of the pig family can survive without water for several months of the year. Lions, hyaenas, cheetahs, leopards and crocodiles are the main predator of the adult. The young may be taken by eagles and jackals.

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20 Comments

DanielePralong
DanielePralong 12 years ago

It looks like he does doesn't it? Thanks for your comment!

This one means business in photo 1 ! Nice shots!

Wild Things
Wild Things 12 years ago

Yes Daniele you are right, we have the Wild Boar and not warthog.

DanielePralong
DanielePralong 12 years ago

I believe it's a different species in India though Ashish? Wild boar, Sus scrofa?(see the above discussion with Satyen)

Ashish Nimkar
Ashish Nimkar 12 years ago

Here in India we call it Wild pigs those are most dangerous. They just crash into you and may handicapped for lifetime or kill.

DanielePralong
DanielePralong 12 years ago

Indeed Ashish, that's how they inflict wounds on lions...

Ashish Nimkar
Ashish Nimkar 12 years ago

Great tuskers...

Wild Things
Wild Things 12 years ago

I will have to do some reading on these boars to know them more. All I know about them is through locals. If they are around your area you must be very careful, and please do not hit one. In any case if you do hit one, I've heard the meat tastes very good. Just kidding :)

DanielePralong
DanielePralong 12 years ago

The original range of the wild boar is actually very broad (much of Europe and Asia). There are may local subspecies though. There are a few of them around my area. You don't see them much but you see the damage they can cause to agriculture. One of my fears is to hit one (or rather get hit by one) while driving at night time!

Wild Things
Wild Things 12 years ago

I was not aware of that fact.

DanielePralong
DanielePralong 12 years ago

Same wild boars as we have in Europe.

Wild Things
Wild Things 12 years ago

Yes I am referring to the wild boars in India. I'm sorry I forgot we do not have warthogs but wild boars which look similar.

DanielePralong
DanielePralong 12 years ago

They can apparently inflict serious injuries to lions. We came across a tail-less lion and our Maasai spotter said that a warthog was most likely responsible. Re. fighting back tigers, you must be referring to the wild boars you have in India?

Wild Things
Wild Things 12 years ago

I think that is the best part about these not so graceful pigs :) Heard a lot of stories where they have supposedly fought back tigers. No idea how far they are correct, but in all the forests that I have traveled to, I have heard the locals say that it can be quite ferocious in fighting back predators.

DanielePralong
DanielePralong 12 years ago

They'll certainly out up a strong fight against predators.

Wild Things
Wild Things 12 years ago

I agree they are not graceful, but I've heard they are very good hunters and fighters.

DanielePralong
DanielePralong 12 years ago

Thanks Satyen! These fellows don't get too much attention amongst visitors there as I guess they are neither "graceful" or "spectacular", but they are a lot of fun to watch.

Wild Things
Wild Things 12 years ago

Lovely series, the last pic is superb.

DanielePralong
DanielePralong 12 years ago

Thanks Noah Florin!

Noah Florin
Noah Florin 12 years ago

Nice picture

DanielePralong
Spotted by
DanielePralong

Rift Valley, Kenya

Spotted on Aug 28, 2011
Submitted on Sep 24, 2011

Spotted for Mission

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