Warthogs travel in groups, ‘sounders’ consisting of 1 or 2 sows and their young offspring. The males tend to travel alone.
The ‘warts’ that give warthogs their name are protective bumps that help cushion blows in fights. They are more prominent in boars than sows.
Although warthogs look fierce, they would rather run than fight. Nevertheless, they can be fierce opponents if necessary. Their impressive tusks are teeth that are also used for defence and digging.
Warthogs are not considered endangered, but they are still threatened by poaching and are hunted for their ivory tusks and meat. Farmers often persecute warthogs to stop them eating their crops and spreading diseases like swine fever to their livestock.
This painting was a finalist and ‘Highly Commended’ in the DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year 2022.
90cm x 90cm x 4cm. Oil on canvas.
