Aardvarkツチブタ

Species Data

Classification

Tubulidentata / Orycteropodidae Source

Distribution

The aardvark is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Ethiopia to the Cape of Good Hope. It avoids rocky terrain and swamp forests, and is absent from Madagascar, coastal Namibia, Ivory Coast, and Ghana. Source

Did You Know?

• The aardvark has up to ten nasal conchae inside its nose — more than any other placental mammal — which underlies its exceptional sense of smell. Source
• Using a sticky tongue roughly 30 cm long, an aardvark can consume as many as 50,000 ants and termites in a single night. Source
• Aardvark burrows, even after being abandoned, provide crucial shelter for many other African species and can be lifesaving refuges during wildfires. Source

FAQ

What do aardvarks eat?

Aardvarks feed almost entirely on ants and termites, favoring ants in the dry season and termites in the wet season. A single aardvark can eat as many as 50,000 insects in one night of foraging. Source

Are aardvarks endangered?

No. The IUCN lists the aardvark as Least Concern, since it remains widespread across sub-Saharan Africa. Source

Why are aardvark burrows important to other animals?

Aardvarks dig extensive burrow systems and frequently abandon old ones for new sites. These vacated burrows become vital shelter for many other African species, and can even serve as refuges during wildfires. Source