Warthogs are distinctive wild pigs found across sub-Saharan Africa, recognized by their large heads and unique facial warts. These adaptable animals thrive in open grasslands and woodlands, where they primarily forage during the day.
Adult Dimensions
Adult warthogs exhibit a significant range in size, with males generally larger than females. A common warthog typically stands between 63.5 to 85 centimeters (25 to 33.5 inches) tall at the shoulder. Their body length, excluding the tail, ranges from 90 to 150 centimeters (35 to 59 inches).
Male warthogs can weigh between 60 to 150 kilograms (130 to 330 pounds), while females are lighter, typically weighing 45 to 75 kilograms (99 to 165 pounds). This sexual dimorphism is also evident in their prominent tusks, with male upper tusks reaching 25 to 64 centimeters (10 to 25 inches) and female tusks being smaller.
Factors Affecting Size
Several factors influence a warthog’s adult size, leading to variations within the species. Geographic location plays a role, as evidenced by the two recognized species: the common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) and the desert warthog (Phacochoerus aethiopicus). Common warthogs are generally slightly larger than desert warthogs; desert warthogs, adapted to drier conditions, may also have longer legs and less body fat.
Diet availability and quality also impact growth and overall size. Warthogs are primarily grazers, consuming grasses, roots, bulbs, and berries, but will also eat insects and carrion opportunistically. Areas with consistent access to high-quality forage can support larger individuals. Genetics contribute to individual size differences, with some populations exhibiting lower genetic diversity.
Life Stages and Growth
A warthog’s growth from birth to maturity involves distinct stages. Piglets are born weighing approximately 0.45 to 0.9 kilograms (1 to 2 pounds). Litters typically consist of two to three piglets, though they can range from one to eight. Young warthogs remain in the burrow for about six to seven weeks after birth.
Piglets are weaned around 21 weeks of age. Growth is most rapid during the first 16 to 17 months of life. While sexual maturity is reached between 18 to 20 months, males often do not breed until they are around four years old. By 36 months, growth is nearly complete in both sexes, although males may continue to grow slightly beyond this age.