Eyes set high on the head enables the warthog to keep a lookout for predators even when it lowers its head to feed on short grass. Sparse bristles cover the warthog's body, although longer bristles form a mane from the top of the head down the spine to the middle of the back. The long tail ends with a tuft of bristles. The warthog characteristically carries its tail upright when it runs, the tuft waving like a tiny flag. As the young run in single file, the tail position may serve as a signal to keep them all together.
Warthogs trot with a springy gait but they are known to run surprisingly fast.
Habitat Warthogs are found in moist and arid savannas. They avoid rainforest, deserts and high mountains. Behavior When water is available, warthogs drink regularly and enjoy wallowing in muddy places. As part of their grooming they also take sand baths, rub against trees and termite mounds and let tick birds pick insects off their bodies. Warthogs live in family groups of a female and her young.