Warthog

Description:

Warthogs are usually gray in color, except when they have been rolling in the red dirt, like the two males in the first photos; the last photos show a female fleeing our approaching car – she displays the typical tail-straight-up-in-the-air stride that these animals have when running.

Habitat:

Seen at Nairobi National Park

Notes:

A wild member of the pig family, its common name comes from the four large, wart-like protrusions found on the head, which serve as a fat reserve and are used for defense when males fight. A warthog is identifiable by the two pairs of tusks 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 teeth can grow to 23 cm (9.1 in), and are of a squashed circle shape in cross section, almost rectangular, being about 4.5 cm (1.8 in) deep and 2.5 cm (0.98 in) wide. A tusk will curve 90 degrees or more from the root,[citation needed] and will not lie flat on a table, as it curves somewhat backwards as it grows. The tusks are used for digging, for combat with other hogs, and in defense against predators—the lower set can inflict severe wounds.