Animal Database

Hi Homo sapien! Welcome to Animal Database! Anyway, did you know that you're 60% genetically similar to banana trees?

READ MORE

Animal Database
Register
Advertisement
Animal Database
Aardvark
Aardvark
Information
Range Africa
Scientific Classification
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Tubulidentata
Family Orycteropodidae
Genus Orycteropus
Species O. afer
Conservation Status
LCSpecies
Least Concern

The Aardvark, (Orycteropus afer), is a medium-sized, burrowing, nocturnal mammal native to Africa. t is the only living species of the order Tubulidentata, although other prehistoric species and genera of Tubulidentata are known.

Appearance[]

The aardvark looks like a cross between a pig and an anteater. Its body is stout with an arched back and is sparsely covered with coarse hairs. The limbs are of moderate length. The front feet have lost the pollex (or 'thumb'), resulting in four toes, while the rear feet have all five toes. Each toe bears a large, robust nail which is somewhat flattened and shovel-like, and appears to be intermediate between a claw and a hoof. The ears are disproportionately long, and the tail is very thick at the base and gradually tapers. The greatly elongated head is set on a short, thick neck, and the end of the snout bears a disc, which houses the nostrils. The mouth is small and tubular, typical of species that feed on termites. The aardvark has a long, thin, snakelike, protruding tongue and elaborate structures supporting a keen sense of smell. An aardvark's weight is typically between 40 and 65 kilograms (88 and 140 lb). An aardvark's length is usually between 1 and 1.3 metres (3.3 and 4.3 ft), and can reach lengths of 2.2 metres (7 ft 3 in) when its tail (which can be up to 70 centimetres (28 in)) is taken into account.

Distribution[]

Aardvarks are found in sub-saharan Africa, where suitable habitat and food is available. The only major habitat in which they they are not found is in swamp forests, as the high water table precludes digging to a sufficient depth.

Behavior[]

They are predominantly nocturnal (come out at night). Aardvarks keen hearing alerts them of predators. Aardvarks can dig fast or run in zigzag fashion to elude enemies, if unsuccessful they will strike with their claws, tails, and shoulders.

Diet[]

It diet consists ants, termites and other insects.

Lifespan[]

Lifespan. Aardvark live for around 18 years in the wild, and up to 30 years in Captivity.

Gallery[]

Facts[]

  • An aardvark's tongue can be up to 12 in (30.5 cm) long and is sticky to help extract termites from the earthen mounds.
Advertisement