# Warthog (*Phacochoerus africanus*)

> Warthogs are wild pigs of African savannas, named for the facial warts and armed with sharp tusks curving upward. They kneel on calloused front legs to graze, back into burrows for safety, and can run 48 km/h (30 mph) with tail erect like an antenna.

- **Category:** Mammal
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Savannas and open woodland across sub-Saharan Africa, from the Sahel south to South Africa, absent from dense rainforest and the driest deserts.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/warthog/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Mammalia
- **Order:** Artiodactyla
- **Family:** Suidae
- **Genus:** Phacochoerus

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Phacochoerus africanus |
| Diet | Omnivore — mainly grasses, roots, and berries |
| Habitat | Savannas and open woodland in sub-Saharan Africa |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years in the wild |
| Weight | 50–150 kg (110–330 lb); males heavier |
| Top speed | Up to 48 km/h (30 mph) |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Tusks and defence

Upper and lower canine tusks sharpen each other and are used in fights between males and against predators. When threatened, warthogs prefer flight — running with tail straight up — but may charge if cornered. They sleep and rear young in burrows stolen from aardvarks.

## Kneeling grazers

Calloused 'knees' on the front legs allow warthogs to graze low grasses comfortably. They also root for bulbs and use their snout to dig. Water holes are visited regularly when available.

## Social groups

Females and young form sounders, while adult males are often solitary or join groups briefly during the rut. After a gestation of about six months, sows retreat to a burrow to farrow.

## Conservation

Warthogs are Least Concern with wide distribution, though local declines occur from hunting and habitat change. They are important prey for lions, leopards, and hyenas, and tolerate presence near safari tourism when not persecuted.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why do warthogs have warts?

Facial warts are thick skin pads that protect the face during fights between males, especially around the eyes and tusks.

### What is a group of warthogs called?

A group of warthogs is called a sounder, usually females and offspring.

### How fast can a warthog run?

Up to about 48 km/h (30 mph) — fast enough to outrun many predators over short distances.

### Do warthogs attack humans?

They generally flee. Wounded or cornered warthogs can charge with sharp tusks — hunters and photographers should keep distance.

### Where do warthogs live?

Open savannas and woodland across sub-Saharan Africa, absent from dense rainforest and deserts without water.

## Sources

- [IUCN Red List — Phacochoerus africanus.](https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Phacochoerus%20africanus&searchType=species)
- [Animal Diversity Web — Phacochoerus africanus. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Phacochoerus_africanus/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/warthog/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.