Warthogs are in the pig family (Suidae). The "warts" (technically known as callosites) are three paired masses of thickened skin protecting the jaws, eyes, and muzzle. The males compete by tusk-wrestling and head banging. The enlarged callosites help protect the head from injury. In addition to the tusks, the enlarged rear molar is visible here. This is an adaptation for digging up grass roots. The long bristles (setae) in this photo remind me of a line in Becket's play, "Happy Days" in which Winnie tries to read the small print on her toothbrush handle. After much difficulty, she deciphers the words "Genuine pure hog setae." It pleases her that, if one makes an effort, it's possible to learn something new every day. This is the southern subspecies "P. a. sundevallii" usually called the Southern Warthog. Formerly considered a race of "P. aethiopicus," but that name now applies only to the Desert Warthog endemic to the Horn of Africa.
