The Life Cycle of Botswana Warthogs

The warthog, or Phacochoerus africanus, is a species of hog native to parts of Africa, including Botswana. Warthogs are closely related to domestic pigs. Warthogs are known for their barrel-shaped body and large, curved tusks. They are usually gray/brown in color with a reddish mane on the back of their neck and back.

  1. Mating

    • Warthogs often mate during periods of rainy weather. Though warthogs generally reach sexual maturity at about 17 to 19 months old, male warthogs often do not mate until they are about 4 years of age. Male warthogs often fight over females for mating privileges. These fights can be very violent.

    Pregnancy and Birth

    • After mating, female warthogs remain pregnant for about 6 months. When they are ready to give birth, they leave their groups and find a secluded place. Often, the female finds an old aardvark den in order to give birth. Female warthogs usually have about two to five babies per litter.

    Babies

    • Baby warthogs are dependent on their mother for food and protection. They remain inside the den for the first several days of life. Baby warthogs nurse their mother’s milk about twice a day, at noontime and at dusk. Because the female warthog has four teats, if the litter is larger than four babies, some usually do not survive.

    Young Warthogs

    • Young warthogs usually begin feeding on solid foods such as grasses and berries around 14 to 21 days of age. After about 6 weeks, the young warthogs begin to follow their mother in a line behind her. The young warthogs stop nursing at about 6 months old. When the young warthogs are about 1 year old, their mother chases them away so that she can mate again and raise a new litter.

    Adults

    • Adult warthogs can measure about 50 to 75 inches in length and weigh 110 to 330 lbs. Adult warthogs often have warts below their eyes and around their mouths. Adults generally feed on grasses, tree bark and wild berries. Adult female warthogs live in groups, usually with a few other females and their young, while adult male warthogs are generally solitary. Warthogs usually live about 10 to 12 years in the wild, but they have been known to live to 18 years old in captivity.