Aardwolf Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Hyaenidae
- Genus: Proteles
- Scientific Name: Proteles cristata
Read our Complete Guide to the Classification of Animals.
Aardwolf Conservation Status
- Least Concern
Aardwolf Locations
- Africa
Aardwolf Facts
- Prey: Termites and other insects
- Name of Young: Cubs or pups
- Group Behavior: Solitary
- Fun Fact: The aardwolf has five toes on its front paws
- Biggest Threat: Habitat loss
- Most Distinctive Feature: Thick mane running along the back
- Other Names: Maanhaar-jackal, termite-eating hyena, civet hyena
- Gestation Period: 90 days
- Litter Size: 2-5
- Habitat: Savannas and grasslands
- Predators: Jackals, lions, leopards
- Diet: Carnivore
- Type: Mammal
- Common Name: Aardwolf
- Number of Species: 1
- Location: Sub-Saharan Africa
Aardwolf Physical Characteristics
- Color: Brown, yellow, black
- Skin Type: Hair
- Lifespan: 15 years
- Weight: 17-31 lbs
- Height: 16-20 inches
- Length: 33-41 inches
- Age of Sexual Maturity: 1.5-2 years
- Age of Weaning: 3-4 months
Overview
The aardwolf, though less known than its more famous hyena relatives, plays an essential role in the ecosystem by controlling termite populations. Despite its shy and nocturnal behavior, it is an important predator of insects.
Though its name means “earth wolf” in Afrikaans and Dutch, the aardwolf is not a wolf but a member of the hyena family. Its appearance resembles a striped hyena, though it’s much smaller in size. Below, we’ll explore the aardwolf’s fascinating traits, diet, habitat, and much more.
Aardwolf vs Hyena
The aardwolf shares many traits with hyenas, but it differs in several ways. Unlike the scavenging or carnivorous nature of most hyenas, the aardwolf primarily feeds on insects, especially termites. It’s smaller in size and often lives in smaller family groups.
Are Hyenas Dogs?
Though hyenas are often mistaken for dogs, they belong to their own family, Hyaenidae. The aardwolf, as a hyena, has unique characteristics that set it apart.
3 Incredible Aardwolf Facts!
- The aardwolf’s teeth have evolved into blunt pegs to accommodate its insect-heavy diet.
- One of its alternative names, “maanhaar-jackal,” refers to its thick mane, but it’s not related to jackals.
- Aardwolves are territorial and use their raised mane as a warning to intruders before chasing them away.
Scientific Name
The scientific name of the aardwolf, Proteles cristata, reflects its unique physical characteristics. “Proteles” means “complete in front,” a reference to its five toes on the front limbs. “Cristata” refers to the mane running along its back. There are two subspecies of the aardwolf based on location: Proteles cristatus cristatus in Southern Africa and Proteles cristatus septentrionalis in eastern and northeastern Africa.
Evolution
The aardwolf is considered a primitive form of hyena, diverging from the rest of the hyena family between 15 and 32 million years ago. Initially, scientists thought it might be a mimic of the striped hyena to fool predators, but modern evidence suggests otherwise.
Appearance
The aardwolf resembles a striped hyena with its dark stripes over brown or yellow fur, black markings around its feet and muzzle, and a thick mane running from head to tail. It is smaller, weighing between 17-31 pounds and measuring about three feet in length. Both males and females look similar, and one unique feature is the aardwolf’s five toes on the front feet, unlike the typical four toes of other hyenas.
Behavior
Aardwolves are elusive, and many of their behaviors remain a mystery. While once believed to be solitary, research has shown that they live in family units consisting of a breeding pair and their young. These family groups defend their territory, where they dig multiple dens for shelter and use anal gland secretions to mark their land. While mostly silent, aardwolves may cluck, bark, or roar when threatened. They can also raise their manes as a display of aggression and release a foul-smelling substance to ward off danger.
Interestingly, despite forming strong pairs, aardwolves prefer to forage alone. As nocturnal animals, they come out at night to hunt termites and retreat to their dens during the day. However, in colder months, they may forage in the afternoon. When food is scarce, aardwolves sometimes share territory or hunt in small groups.
Pro Tip: Aardwolves prefer foraging solo but will sometimes cooperate in tough times when food is scarce.
Habitat
Aardwolves inhabit dry, open savannas and grasslands. There are two primary populations: one in Eastern Africa and another in Southern Africa. Despite their geographic separation, the two populations share many similarities.
Predators and Threats
Aardwolves are relatively safe from predators, though pups may fall prey to jackals, lions, leopards, and other hyenas. The biggest threat to aardwolves is habitat loss due to human encroachment.
What Eats the Aardwolf?
Adult aardwolves face few natural predators, but their young are at risk from various larger carnivores.
What Does the Aardwolf Eat?
Aardwolves have a specialized diet consisting primarily of termites, which they locate using scent and sound. With their long, sticky tongues, aardwolves can consume up to 300,000 termites in one night. If termites are unavailable, they may eat beetles and other insects.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Aardwolf pups are born with their eyes open and remain in the safety of their underground dens for the first few months. The parents work together to raise their young, with the mother foraging and the father protecting the den. After three to four months, the pups are weaned and start eating regurgitated termites. They grow under parental supervision for about a year before setting out on their own.
Population
The aardwolf is classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, meaning its population is stable. Human intervention, such as hunting and habitat destruction, poses some threat, but the species remains relatively safe at present.
FAQs
Q: Is the aardwolf dangerous to humans?
A: No, aardwolves are shy and avoid humans. They are primarily insectivores.
Q: How long do aardwolves live?
A: Aardwolves can live up to 15 years in the wild.
Q: Do aardwolves hunt in packs?
A: No, aardwolves are solitary foragers, though they may sometimes share territory during times of food scarcity.
Final Words
The aardwolf may be elusive, but it is a fascinating part of the hyena family, known for its termite-eating habits.