The Warthog’s Fortress: A Unique Den in Tarangire National Park
Warthogs might not get the same attention as the “big five”, the “big cats” or the more famous herbivores of Africa, but these quirky, resourceful animals have their own unique charm—and some fascinating survival strategies. On a visit to Tarangire National Park in 2018, we came across a remarkable warthog den at the base of an old, hollowed-out tree. While warthogs might look a bit goofy with their tusks and mane-like bristles, this den showed just how clever they are when it comes to survival.
Warthogs don’t dig their own burrows; instead, they use abandoned dens left by other animals, like aardvarks. This particular tree, with its wide, low opening at ground level, seemed like the perfect home. It appeared large enough to accommodate a family, deep enough to provide shelter from the intense midday heat, and well-hidden from prying eyes.
One of the things I love about warthogs is how they back into their dens rather than enter headfirst. It may look comical—imagine this creature, backing in slowly, rump first—but there’s serious strategy behind it. By positioning themselves with their tusks toward the opening, warthogs can defend themselves quickly and effectively if a predator comes sniffing around. It's an ingenious setup: any predator that tries to enter will be met with a determined, tusked defender facing outward and ready to protect its family.
Watching a warthog maneuver into this den is like watching nature’s version of a strategic retreat. They know that the best defense is to be prepared for any potential danger, especially since warthogs are on the menu for many predators from lions and leopards to hyenas.
Seeing this warthog family settled into their fortress of a tree reminded me how animals use their environments in surprising ways to survive. It’s a reminder that on safari, every creature has its story, and sometimes the most interesting ones are those of the unassuming animals going about their lives with quiet resilience and a few clever tricks.
