The aardvark is a solitary, nocturnal mammal and the sole living member of the order Tubulidentata, making it one of Africa’s most evolutionarily unique animals. Each night it travels up to 30 km, excavating termite and ant mounds with powerful claws and extracting insects with a long, sticky tongue. The deep burrows it digs provide essential shelter for dozens of other species, earning it the title of ecosystem engineer.
About the Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
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💡 Fun Facts
01
The aardvark's name comes from Afrikaans for 'earth pig,' though it is not related to pigs — its closest relatives are elephants and hyraxes.
02
An aardvark can consume up to 50,000 ants and termites in a single night using its 30 cm-long sticky tongue.
03
Its burrows, sometimes spanning 13 meters, are reused by warthogs, wild dogs, porcupines, and even hyenas after the aardvark abandons them.
04
Aardvarks have a unique tooth structure — the teeth lack enamel and are made entirely of dentine tubules, giving the order its name.
05
They can close their nostrils entirely to keep out dust and insects while burrowing through termite mounds.
📍 Where to Find This Animal
Habitat Types:
Savanna and Woodland
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