Points

5

per confirmed sighting

MammalConservation status: Least ConcernCommon to spot
mammals • Suidae

Common Warthog.

C

Phacochoerus africanus

A grassland pig that kneels to graze and reverses into burrows to sleep.

Category

mammals

Family

Suidae

Size

0.6–0.85 m at shoulder, 45–150 kg

Points

5 pts

Log a sighting

A closer look

Field notes for spotting, identifying and understanding common warthog in its natural range.

Overview

A grassland pig that kneels to graze and reverses into burrows to sleep.

How to identify it

Grey body, facial warts, upward-curving tusks and a thin tail held vertically when running.

Habitat

EltonTraits foraging-stratum classification: ground-dwelling/terrestrial (including aquatic ground-associated coding).

Diet

Grass, roots and bulbs

Behaviour

—

When to look

EltonTraits activity classification: nocturnal.

Where to see it

South Africa flagSouth AfricaNamibia flagNamibiaBotswana flagBotswanaZimbabwe flagZimbabweZambia flagZambiaMozambique flagMozambiqueEswatini flagEswatiniLesotho flagLesothoMalawi flagMalawiAngola flagAngola
  • Kruger National ParkZA
  • Etosha National ParkNA
  • Hwange National ParkZW

Safety and etiquette

Observe from a vehicle or a safe distance and never feed wildlife.

Verification and sources

1500 verified species across ten Southern African countries. Spotted an error? Tell us through community guidelines.