Over the past couple of weeks, I have been noticing more warthogs than usual which has made me extremely happy as these tough animals have a charm to them like no other animal. Seeing all these warthogs got me thinking about the survival techniques they employ in this harsh landscape that has danger around every corner.
These rugged creatures employ a range of survival strategies that allow them to endure the challenges of their environment. From their use of burrows to their resourceful feeding techniques and their fearless approach to fending off predators, warthogs are true survival experts.
A key element of the warthog’s survival strategy is its burrowing behaviour. Unlike other animals that dig their own shelters, warthogs repurpose abandoned termite mounds and aardvark burrows as safe havens. These burrows serve multiple purposes, they provide a cool escape from the blistering heat of the day and offer a secure space for raising their young as well as shelter during nightfall. When sows give birth, they keep their piglets hidden inside the burrow for several weeks, only emerging when the young are strong enough to navigate the dangers of the wild. By using these underground refuges, warthogs dramatically increase their offspring’s chances of survival and mostly avoid bumping into unwanted predators under the night sky.
Another crucial adaptation lies in their feeding habits. Unlike many grazers that feed continuously, warthogs adopt a more flexible approach to sourcing food. They kneel on their front legs to dig up roots, bulbs, and nutritious tubers hidden beneath the soil. This ability to access underground food sources is a critical advantage, especially in the dry season when surface vegetation is scarce. Their efficient foraging skills, combined with their capability to consume a variety of plants, make them highly adaptable in a constantly shifting environment.
Survival in the bushveld also demands effective predator defence, and warthogs are more than capable of holding their own. When threatened, they rely on speed, agility, and strategy. Their first instinct is to sprint towards the nearest burrow, backing in so that their sharp tusks face outward, creating a formidable barricade. However, if cornered, warthogs do not hesitate to fight. Their lower tusks can deliver devastating wounds to would-be attackers like lions, leopards, or wild dogs. This fearless attitude ensures that even the most formidable predators think twice before engaging a warthog in battle.
Warthogs hold a special spot in my heart. There is a cuteness to their rough exterior but it’s their ways of going about their business that catch my interest. Whether burrowing for safety, kneeling to forage, or standing their ground against predators, warthogs show incredible ways of surviving.
Thanks Patrick. The photo of the family from behind traipsing through the landscape is just too cute.
I’d love to know what ‘Phumba’ of “The Lion King” did in terms of awareness of and connectivity to, the humble warthog. ‘Phumba’ & ‘Zazoo’ have elevated the humble warthog and hornbill to ‘Iconic’ status.
Warthogs are so much fun to watch. The little ones are so cute.
Thanks Patrick! Great images and a nice reminder of how special these animals are!
Hi Patrick, I have always liked them so much, they are very entertaining and exhibit a unique behaviour. I love the piglets! They are very resilient and, yes, great fighters. The catch of a male leopard like the Nweti male is so precise and quick that’s not easy to escape, like a lighting. Luckily the death is not slow. I watched a documentary about Botswana during the dry season, a male warthog fighting against a pack of wild dogs… in the end he succumbed, and it was so terrible because they have such a resilience and strength. Very nice blog!
I love them too, especially the little ones running with their tails straight up. Thanks for the great photos and explanations.
Cutest little funny looking animal! Ha! I was actually quite surprised how large the adults are when we saw them!
Hi Patrick, warthog are so cute, especially the little piglets. We have an older sow with one piglet and then another sow with 3 piglets and they all come together to see if there is any food for them. The older sow immediately lies down leaving all the others to eat. Sometimes the piglets start resteling against each other and we can watch them for hours playing.
Warthogs make me smile too, Patrick! Unfortunately, the Lion King gave them such a bad reputation. Congrats for trying to rehab their rep!
I love watching warthogs amble through the bush, only to raise tail and run when a vehicle is approaching. Always have camera ready but those rascals always seem to escape. Making me laugh. Good to see so many wonderful images from rangers present and past.
Warthogs are such funny and interesting animals to watch. Especially the youngsters are so cute.
I love seeing their little tails sticking up in the air just visible above long grass.
Nice blog on them, thanks
They are such interesting creatures. I will forever be scratching my head as to why they evolved to kneel as opposed to developing longer necks, but clearly this strategy is working for them.