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| Common Name: | Warthog | Family: | Suidae |
| Latin Name: | Phacochoerus africanus | Diet: | Omnivore |
| Type: | Mammal | Habitat: | Woodlands, Grasslands |
| Native To: | Africa | Social Unit: | Group |
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least concern |
Warthogs at Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh has two Warthogs, a male called Otto, born in 2007, and a female called Blister, born in 2005. The European studbook for this species is held at Edinburgh Zoo.
Where it can be found at Edinburgh Zoo
The warthog enclosure can be found in the west paddock, across from the west upper corner of the penguin enclosure.
Warthogs in the wild
Warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) live in family groups. There may be more than one breeding female for each male. All their offspring live together in the group. Warthogs like to lie in burrows in the heat of the day and also like to wallow in mud. When the day cools they can be found grazing on the savannah plains.
Warthogs are not known for their good looks! Nonetheless, they are a very interesting and well-known species of pig. They are well known to children as ‘Pumbaa’, thanks to the popularity of Disney’s ‘The Lion King’.
Warthogs are also very fast runners, and when alarmed they will dash to their burrow at high speed with their tail in the air and mane erect. They always back into their burrows, and with their warts and tusks facing a potential predator, not many animals will argue with them!
The warthog is wide-ranging in the African continent and is not considered to be at risk of extinction.
Breeding programme category: ESB
IUCN Red List category: Least Concern
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