You’ve probably heard of both warthogs and wild boars. Perhaps you have used the terms interchangeably and thought they were the same type of animal. In fact, wild boars and warthogs have many similarities, but they also have many differences. In this article, we’ll compare the wild boar vs. the warthog, discussing what each animal is, their similarities and differences, and which one would win if they were to fight each other.
What You'll Learn Today
What Is a Wild Boar?
The term “wild boar” can refer to a variety of pig subspecies belonging to the Sus Scrofa species. Sometimes the term “boar” is more widely applied to males of any wild pig species.
Wild boars are found throughout the world. They are highly adaptable and can live in many different habitats, to the point that they have become invasive pests in many areas where they have been introduced.
Wild boars have medium to large bodies covered in a layer of bristly dark brown fur. They typically weigh between 130 and 400 pounds, though some grow much heavier; they typically range between two and five feet in length.
Wild boars typically live in groups, though older males are often solitary. Wild boars are fast runners and good swimmers, and though they rarely behave aggressively, their sharp, tusk-like canine teeth are sharp and can cause devastating injuries.
Wild boars are omnivorous creatures. They will eat a wide variety of foods such as grass, fruits, vegetables, insects, birds, small mammals, and reptiles; they have even been known to eat non-food items such as trash.
What Is a Warthog?
Warthogs are also wild pig-like animals belonging to the Phacochoerus Aethiopicus species. These pig cousins are found only in Africa and live primarily in open savannas and grasslands, as well as sparsely wooded areas.
Warthogs have medium-sized bodies with tough, brown to blackish hide and a thin covering of long, wiry hair. They also have a distinct hairy mane running down their neck and back and two sets of tusks, the larger of which curl upward from the jaw.
Warthogs typically weigh between 100 and 330 pounds and grow two to five feet long. Their tusks can grow as long as 10 inches.
Warthogs are so-named because of the wart-like projections on the males’ faces which act as padding to protect them when they fight with other males. Warthogs typically live in family groups consisting of a mated pair and their young.
Warthogs are omnivores. They primarily eat grass, but other common foods include tree bark, plant roots, various fruits and vegetables, eggs, and carrion.
Wild Boar vs. Warthog: Similarities and Differences
As you can probably tell from the above sections, warthogs and wild boars have many similarities, as well as some notable differences. Let’s take a closer look at those similarities and differences below.
Similarities
Some of the similarities between wild boars and warthogs include the following:
- Scientific Family: Wild boars and warthogs belong to different species, but they both belong to the Suidae family.
- Diet: Both wild boars and warthogs are omnivorous and enjoy a wide variety of foods. Neither animal is picky, which enables them to adapt well even during times of food shortage.
- Coloring: Warthogs and wild boars both have a similar brown, gray-brown, or dark-brown coloring. They also are built similarly, and both have tusks protruding from their jaws.
- Size: Both warthogs and wild boars are similar when it comes to their average size, weight, and length, and males of both animals are generally larger than females. Though some wild boars can grow much heavier than warthogs, these specimens are rare.
Differences
Now, let’s discuss some major differences between these two types of animals:
- Distribution: Wild boars are native to parts of Europe and Asia, but they have spread out and been introduced in many parts of the world. On the other hand, warthogs have a much smaller distribution, being found only in parts of Africa.
- Hair Coverage: Though wild boars and warthogs are similar in appearance, wild boars are significantly hairier than warthogs; their entire body is covered with a thick fur, whereas warthogs are more sparsely covered in hair. What’s more, warthogs have thick, noticeable manes, while wild boars do not.
- Sleep Pattern: Warthogs are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night. Meanwhile, wild boars are nocturnal, which means they are more active at night and typically rest during the day.
- Tusks: As noted, both wild boars and warthogs have tusks, but the warthog’s tusks are much larger and more curved than the wild boar’s. Warthogs have two pairs of tusks protruding from their jaws, while wild boars have only one pair.
Wild Boar vs. Warthog: Who Would Win in a Fight?
Now that you know a little more about wild boars and warthogs, you may be wondering: which one would win if they were to fight each other?
Warthogs and wild boars are pretty evenly matched. Neither pig species prefers to behave aggressively, but both are excellent fighters if provoked.
They are similar in size and weight, though some of the larger wild boars hold the edge in this category. They also both have sharp tusks which can serve both defensively and in an attack, though the warthog’s tusks are larger and might be slightly more effective in a fight.
So, this battle would be a toss-up; both warthogs and wild boars have strengths that could give them the edge over the other.
If a particularly large wild boar went up against a warthog, then the boar would likely win simply because of its size and strength advantage.
But two similarly-sized animals engaged in a fight would both have an equal chance of winning.
To learn more about boars, warthogs, and which of them would be most likely to win in a fight, check out the following video:
Conclusion
Wild boars and warthogs are both wild pigs belonging to the Suidae family. They have many similarities and differences, but if they were to face each other in a fight, it is unclear which one would win, as they are both evenly matched.
