American warthog (SciiFii)

The American warthog (Verrucapecari phacochoeroides), also known as the wartpeccary, the warthog peccary, and the North American warthog, is a species of mammal in the Tayassuidae (peccary) family, not a pig, despite its name, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, scrublands, and deserts across North America to help boost biodiversity. Although covered in bristly hairs, the bodies and heads of the American warthogs appear largely naked from a distance, with only the crest along the back, and the tufts on their cheeks and tails being obviously haired. The English name refers to their facial wattles, which are particularly distinct in males. They also have very distinct tusks, which reach a length of 10 to 25 inches (25 to 64 centimetres) in the males, but are always smaller in the females. They are largely omnivorous, feeding primarily on grasses, roots, berries and other fruits, bark, fungi, insects, eggs and carrion. American warthogs are powerful diggers, using both their snouts and feet. When feeding, they often bend their front feet backwards and move around on the wrists. Calloused pads that protect the wrists during such movement form quite early in the development of the fetus. Although they can dig their own burrows, they commonly occupy abandoned burrows of American aardvarks (Myrmecorattus orycterus) and other animals. The American warthog commonly reverses into burrows, with its head facing the opening and ready to burst out if necessary. American warthogs will wallow in mud to cope with high temperatures and huddle together to cope with low temperatures. Although capable of fighting (males aggressively fight each other during mating season), the American warthog's primary defense is to flee by means of fast sprinting. When threatened, American warthogs can run speeds of up to 48 km/h (30 mph), will run with their tails sticking up and will enter their dens rear first with tusks facing out. The American warthog's main predators are humans, American lions, jaguars, American cheetahs, saber-toothed cats, scimitar cats, gray wolves, dholes, brown bears, black bears, alligators, and among other predatory species. Despite this, the conservation status of the American warthog is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the American warthog's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii