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The warthog is a wild member of the pig family that lives in Africa. The common name comes from the four large wart-like tusks found on the head of the warthog, which serve the purpose of defense when males fight. A warthog is identifiable by the two pairs of tusks protruding from the mouth, which are used as weapons against predators. The common warthog diet is omnivorous, composed of grasses, roots, berries and other fruits, bark, fungi, eggs, dead animals, and even small mammals, reptiles and birds. The diet is seasonably variable, depending on availability of different food items. When feeding, they often bend the front legs backwards and move around staying on the knees. Warthogs are fast runners and quite capable jumpers. They will often run with their tails in the air. Despite poor eyesight, warthogs have a good sense of smell.Warthogs have been observed allowing banded mongooses groom them to remove ticks. Wild warthogs can live up to 15 years, and captive warthogs may live as long as 18. The typical gestation period is 5 or 6 months and the litter is 2 to 8 piglets, although 2 to 4 is more typical.Piglets are weaned at 3 or 4 months of age, reaching sexual maturity at 18 to 24 months. Females may give birth twice or, in extremely rare cases, up to five times per year.