Aardvark (Orycteropus afer)

Mammal Insectivore Burrower

Overview

The aardvark (Orycteropus afer) is a distinctive nocturnal mammal of sub-Saharan Africa, instantly recognisable by its arched back, long snout, large rabbit-like ears, and powerful digging limbs. It feeds almost entirely on ants and termites and is the only living member of its own mammal order, Tubulidentata.

Rarely seen because of its nocturnal, solitary habits, the aardvark is nonetheless an ecologically important animal: its burrows provide shelter for a wide range of other species.

Conservation note: the aardvark is widely distributed across much of sub-Saharan Africa and has generally been assessed in a lower category of concern, but verify current status at iucnredlist.org before relying on it.

Classification

The aardvark is the sole living species of the order Tubulidentata, named for the unusual tube-like structure of its teeth. It has no close living relatives among other ant- and termite-eating mammals.

Habitat & Range

Aardvarks occur across much of sub-Saharan Africa in habitats ranging from savanna and grassland to woodland and scrub. Their distribution is shaped largely by the availability of ants and termites and by soil suitable for digging their extensive burrows.

Diet & Feeding

Aardvarks are specialised insectivores, feeding chiefly on ants and termites. They rip open nests and mounds with strong claws and gather insects with a long, sticky tongue, relying on acute smell and hearing to find colonies in the dark. They also eat a particular wild fruit sometimes called the “aardvark cucumber.”

Behavior & Burrowing

Aardvarks are nocturnal and largely solitary, sheltering in burrows by day and emerging at night to forage over considerable distances. They are formidable diggers, capable of excavating quickly into hard ground. Their burrows, once abandoned, become important refuges for many other animals.

Appearance & Recognition

The aardvark has a stocky, arched body with sparse hair over thick skin, a long tubular snout, long upright ears, a muscular tail, and strong limbs ending in spade-like claws. Its unusual mix of features — pig-like body, rabbit-like ears, and a long snout — makes it look like no other animal.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Aardvarks are widespread but can be affected by habitat change and other local pressures, and they are sensitive to anything that reduces their insect prey. Their role as burrow-builders links their wellbeing to that of many other species. Consult authoritative sources for current status.

More photos of the aardvark