Where are Aardwolf found in the wild?

Aardwolves roam the vast and arid savannas, grasslands, and scrublands of Africa. They prefer open areas where they can easily spot their favorite snack, termites, and find cozy burrows to hide in during the day.

"Aardwolf, Proteles cristata, at Lion and Rhino Reserve, Gauteng, South Africa (47987215058)" by Derek Keats from Johannesburg, South Africa is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Aardwolf

Explore the chubby little termite hunters of the night!

"Aardwolf, Proteles cristata, at Lion and Rhino Reserve, Gauteng, South Africa (47987215058)" by Derek Keats from Johannesburg, South Africa is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Basics

Scientific Name

Proteles cristata

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Location

Africa

Average size

22 to 31 inches long

diet

Termites and insects

lifespan

10 to 15 years

Let’s Explore

Overview

The aardwolf is a unique member of the hyena family found in Africa. It has a shy personality and prefers to spend its time alone, snuggling in its cozy burrow during the day.
Aardwolves grow to be about 22 to 31 inches long. They have a slender body, long legs, and a bushy tail, which makes them look like they're ready to strut down a fashion runway in the wild!
Aardwolves eat primarily termites and insects. These curious creatures have a special knack for sniffing out termites, which they devour with their long, sticky tongues. Talk about a delicious treat!
Aardwolves can live between 10 to 15 years in the wild. They are nocturnal, becoming active at night when they venture out to hunt for their favorite snacks under the moonlight.
Unlike their flashy relatives, aardwolves do not roar or howl. Instead, they communicate with unique sounds like growls and whines, proving that actions can speak louder than words!
Armed with their exceptional sense of smell, aardwolves are expert insect hunters. They help keep insect populations in check, making them unsung heroes in their habitats!

Where can you find a Aardwolf in the wild?

What does a Aardwolf eat?

How big can a Aardwolf grow?

How long does a Aardwolf typically live?

What is the conservation status of the Aardwolf?

What are the main threats to the Aardwolf?

wowzerful facts

Aardwolves can consume a jaw-dropping amount of food! They can eat up to 300,000 termites in just one night, making them the ultimate bug-eating machines.

Their long, sticky tongues are specially designed for termite hunting, allowing them to slurp up insects like a super-specialized vacuum cleaner.

Aardwolves do not bark or howl like their hyena relatives. Instead, they communicate using unique sounds like growls and whines, making their own kind of music!

These furry friends are shy and love their cozy burrows, which they can dig up to 1 meter deep, creating a hidden fortress from the outside world.

Aardwolves can run quickly if they need to escape danger, reaching speeds of 50 kilometers per hour (31 miles per hour) in the blink of an eye.

While most carnivores have sharp teeth for tearing meat, aardwolves have small teeth that help them grind up their favorite gourmet meal: termites!

These animals are excellent builders! Aardwolves often refurbish old burrows from other animals, showcasing their resourcefulness in the wild.

When frightened, aardwolves can emit a pungent odor from their anal glands. This talent helps them fend off potential threats. Talk about a stinky defense!