Southern warthog
A species of Warthogs Scientific name : Phacochoerus africanus sundevallii Genus : Warthogs
Southern warthog, A species of Warthogs
Scientific name: Phacochoerus africanus sundevallii
Genus: Warthogs
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Harvey Barrison , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Southern warthog demonstrates a keen adaptability by residing in both dense forests and open plains, surviving in environments with limited water supply. Its key role in its habitat as a 'soil turner' is manifested through its peculiar feeding behavior, which involves digging the ground with its tusks to rummage for roots and tubers, invariably playing a crucial role in soil aeration and nutrient recycling.
General Info
Lifespan
7-17 years
Diet
The dietary regime of southern warthog primarily includes plant material, with an emphasis on grasses. This species also balance their diet with roots, fruits, and bark, especially during dry seasons.
Appearance
Southern warthog is a medium-sized, robust animal with a distinctively elongated head, large, prominent, upward-curving tusks, and a mane running down the neck and back. It has rough, mostly hairless skin, which is predominantly grey with some dark patches. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males generally being larger and possessing significantly larger tusks.
Behavior
Southern warthog is a social animal, typically living in matriarchal groups. This species is primarily nocturnal, spending the day in burrows and foraging for roots and tubers at night. During mating, males display dominance through tusk clashing and aggression. Their wallowing behavior in mud and dust serves as both grooming and a cooling mechanism, adapted to their sub-Saharan habitats.
Scientific Classification
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