Aardwolf
Often mistaken for a small hyena, the Aardwolf is a shy and nocturnal mammal native to Eastern and Southern Africa. Its name means “earth wolf” in Afrikaans, which points to its burrow-dwelling habits.
Unlike its carnivorous hyena relatives, the Aardwolf is an insectivore, with a diet that consists almost entirely of termites, particularly the snouted harvester termite. At night, it uses its long, sticky tongue to lap up thousands of termites from the ground, without destroying the termite mound itself. This unique feeding strategy, which is often called "licking," is a crucial part of its ecological role, as it helps control termite populations.
The Aardwolf is a master of subtlety and camouflage, with a striped coat and a distinctive mane that can be raised to make it appear larger when threatened. It is a quiet and solitary animal, a true specialist in its niche.
Aardwolf
Native To
Conservation Status
Average Height
1.5 feet
(0.5 m)
Average Weight
20 - 30 lbs
(9 - 14 kg)
Average Life Span
10 - 15 years
Gestation Period
90 - 110 days
Did You Know?
The Aardwolf is a small, insectivorous mammal native to East and Southern Africa.
Unlike other hyenas, the Aardwolf's diet consists primarily of termites, which it licks up with its long, sticky tongue.
An Aardwolf can consume up to 250,000 termites in a single night!
Aardwolf are nocturnal animals, meaning they are active at night.
Aardwolves are solitary creatures, typically only coming together for breeding.
Aardwolfhave a distinctive mane of hair along their back that can be raised to make them appear larger when threatened.
Their name, "Aardwolf," means "earth wolf" in Afrikaans.
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