- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Tubulidentata
- Family: Orycteropodidae
- Genus: Orycteropus
- Scientific Name: Orycteropus afer
Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.
Aardvark Conservation Status
- Least Concern
Aardvark Locations
- Africa
Aardvark Facts
- Prey: Termites, Ants
- Name of Young: Cub
- Group Behavior: Solitary
- Fun Fact: Can move up to 2ft of soil in just 15 seconds!
- Estimated Population Size: Unknown
- Biggest Threat: Habitat loss
- Most Distinctive Feature: Long, sticky tongue and rabbit-like ears
- Other Name(s): Antbear, Earth Pig
- Gestation Period: 7 months
- Habitat: Sandy and clay soil
- Diet: Omnivore
- Average Litter Size: 1
- Lifestyle: Nocturnal
- Common Name: Aardvark
- Number of Species: 18
- Location: Sub-Saharan Africa
- Slogan: Can move 2ft of soil in just 15 seconds!
- Group: Mammal
Aardvark Physical Characteristics
- Color: Brown, Grey, Yellow
- Skin Type: Hair
- Top Speed: 25 mph
- Lifespan: 23 years
- Weight: 60kg – 80kg (130lbs – 180lbs)
- Length: 1.05m – 2.20m (3.4ft – 7.3ft)
- Age of Sexual Maturity: 2 years
- Age of Weaning: 3 months
Aardvark Overview
Aardvarks are small, pig-like mammals that inhabit a variety of environments across Africa, primarily south of the Sahara. Known for their solitary nature, they spend their days sleeping in underground burrows, which help them avoid the scorching African sun. At night, they venture out to forage for food. The name “aardvark” comes from Afrikaans, translating to “earth pig” due to their snout and pig-like body.
Despite early beliefs that aardvarks were related to armadillos and pangolins, recent studies reveal their closest relatives are elephants. These unique animals are the sole surviving members of their animal family, making them an evolutionary marvel.
Origins and Evolution
The aardvark, scientifically known as Orycteropus afer, boasts a distinct evolutionary heritage. It’s considered highly evolutionary distinct according to the EDGE method, given that it has been evolving independently for millions of years without close relatives. In fact, aardvarks are the last remaining species of the Tubulidentata order, with their closest relatives extinct since the Pleistocene era.
Aardvarks are one of nature’s evolutionary wonders, often considered “living fossils.” This term refers to species that have remained virtually unchanged for millions of years, indicating that evolution left aardvarks almost untouched.
Personal Tip: Fun fact: Aardvark teeth have up to 1,500 tiny channels that constantly regrow.
Anatomy and Appearance
Aardvarks are unique in appearance, blending characteristics from multiple species. With medium-sized bodies and long snouts, they resemble pigs at first glance. Their thick skin provides protection from both the sun and insect bites. Interestingly, their nostrils can close to keep out dirt and pests while digging.
Their tubular, rabbit-like ears can stand upright but can also be flattened to avoid dirt. Strong claws on their spade-shaped feet help them dig, while their excellent sense of smell compensates for their poor vision, aiding in hunting for food and detecting danger.
Distribution and Habitat
Aardvarks are found in diverse environments across sub-Saharan Africa, from dry deserts to moist rainforests. The key requirement for their habitat is good, diggable soil. Rocky regions are avoided due to the difficulty of digging. Their extensive burrows can stretch up to 33 feet with multiple entrances, providing protection from predators and extreme temperatures.
Behavior and Lifestyle
Aardvarks are nocturnal and solitary creatures, only coming together to mate. They build extensive burrows for daytime shelter and emerge at night to hunt. With excellent hearing and smell, they can detect termites and ants from a distance. If threatened, aardvarks can quickly excavate temporary burrows for safety.
Reproduction and Life Cycles
Aardvarks have distinct mating seasons depending on their region, with offspring typically born in either October-November or May-June. After a seven-month gestation, females give birth to a single cub, which is born hairless and pink. Cubs stay underground for two weeks before venturing out with their mother at night. They are weaned after three months and leave the burrow at six months to dig their own home.
Diet and Prey
Aardvarks primarily feed on ants and termites, with termites being their favorite. Their powerful claws enable them to break into termite mounds with ease, and their long, sticky tongue helps them consume up to 50,000 insects in a single night. Interestingly, they swallow their food whole, using a muscular stomach to grind it.
Predators and Threats
Aardvarks have several natural predators, including lions, leopards, hyenas, and pythons. Their primary defense is digging quickly to escape underground. However, they can also be aggressive when cornered, using their strong claws and powerful back legs to defend themselves. Aardvarks also face threats from humans due to habitat destruction and hunting.
Interesting Facts and Features
- Aardvarks are sometimes called “antbears” due to their love for termites and ants.
- Their tongues can grow up to 30 cm, allowing them to reach deep into termite mounds.
- Aardvarks get most of their moisture from their insect prey, reducing their need for water.
FAQs
Q1: Are aardvarks related to pigs?
No, despite their pig-like appearance, aardvarks are not related to pigs. Their closest relatives are elephants.
Q2: How fast can an aardvark dig?
Aardvarks can move up to 2 feet of soil in just 15 seconds!
Q3: What do aardvarks eat?
Aardvarks primarily eat termites and ants but will occasionally consume other insects.
Q4: How long do aardvarks live?
In captivity, aardvarks can live for more than 20 years.
Q5: Do aardvarks have teeth?
Yes, but their teeth are unique—composed of tiny tubes, unlike most mammals’ teeth.