What this creature lacks in grace and beauty is made up for by its extraordinary adaptability. Warthogs are the only pigs able to live in areas without water for several months of the year; their ability to maintain a body temperature that exceeds the norm helps them to conserve moisture that might otherwise be used for cooling. Living in family groups called “sounders,” warthogs are often seen on their front knees, digging up roots and grasses with their snout. High-set eyes enable them to keep a lookout for predators even when feeding. Though their razor-sharp tusks are formidable weapons, their main defense is to flee. Fast sprinters and able jumpers, warthogs will run from danger with their tails held high like a tiny flag. This is thought to serve as a signal to keep them all together.