Phacochoerus
Encyclopedia
Phacochoerus is a genus of wild pigs in the Suidae
family that are known as warthogs. It is the sole genus of subfamily Phacochoerinae. They are found in open and semi-open habitats, even in quite arid regions, in sub-Saharan Africa
. The two species were formerly considered conspecific under the scientific name Phacochoerus aethiopicus, but today this is limited to the Desert Warthog
, while the best-known and most widespread species, the Common Warthog
(or simply Warthog) is Phacochoerus africanus.
Although covered in bristly hairs, their body and head appear largely naked from a distance, with only the crest along the back, and the tufts on the cheeks and tail being obviously haired. The English name refers to their facial wattles, which are particularly distinct in males. They also have very distinct tusk
s, which reach a length of 25.5 to 63.5 cm (10 to 25 in) in the males, but are always smaller in the females. They are largely herbivorous, but occasionally also eat small animal food. While both species remain fairly common and widespread, and therefore are considered to be of Least Concern
by the IUCN, the nominate subspecies of the Desert Warthog, commonly known as the Cape Warthog
, became extinct around 1865.
Suidae
Suidae is the biological family to which pigs belong. In addition to numerous fossil species, up to sixteen extant species are currently recognized, classified into between four and eight genera...
family that are known as warthogs. It is the sole genus of subfamily Phacochoerinae. They are found in open and semi-open habitats, even in quite arid regions, in sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa as a geographical term refers to the area of the African continent which lies south of the Sahara. A political definition of Sub-Saharan Africa, instead, covers all African countries which are fully or partially located south of the Sahara...
. The two species were formerly considered conspecific under the scientific name Phacochoerus aethiopicus, but today this is limited to the Desert Warthog
Desert Warthog
The Desert Warthog is a species of even-toed ungulate in the Suidae family. It is found in northern Kenya, Somalia, possibly Djibouti, possibly Eritrea, and possibly Ethiopia. This is the range of the extant subspecies, commonly known as the Somali Warthog...
, while the best-known and most widespread species, the Common Warthog
Warthog
The Warthog or Common Warthog is a wild member of the pig family that lives in grassland, savanna, and woodland in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the past it was commonly treated as a subspecies of P...
(or simply Warthog) is Phacochoerus africanus.
Although covered in bristly hairs, their body and head appear largely naked from a distance, with only the crest along the back, and the tufts on the cheeks and tail being obviously haired. The English name refers to their facial wattles, which are particularly distinct in males. They also have very distinct tusk
Tusk
Tusks are elongated, continuously growing front teeth, usually but not always in pairs, that protrude well beyond the mouth of certain mammal species. They are most commonly canines, as with warthogs, wild boar, and walruses, or, in the case of elephants and narwhals, elongated incisors...
s, which reach a length of 25.5 to 63.5 cm (10 to 25 in) in the males, but are always smaller in the females. They are largely herbivorous, but occasionally also eat small animal food. While both species remain fairly common and widespread, and therefore are considered to be of Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern is an IUCN category assigned to extant taxon or lower taxa which have been evaluated but do not qualify for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, Near Threatened, or Conservation Dependent...
by the IUCN, the nominate subspecies of the Desert Warthog, commonly known as the Cape Warthog
Cape Warthog
The Cape Warthog is an extinct animal that had originally resided in South Africa.The Cape Warthog is quite distinguishable from other hogs, yet it has similar properties to that of a Somali Warthog...
, became extinct around 1865.
External links
- d'Huart, J.P. & Grubb, P. (2005). A photographic guide to the differences between the Common Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) and the Desert Warthog (Ph. aethiopicus). Suiform Soundings 5(2): 4-8.