Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
Aardvark, nocturnal termite eater in savannas and dry open woodlands.
| Scientific name | Orycteropus afer |
|---|---|
| Swahili name | Kifaru cha mchwa |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Tubulidentata |
| Family | Orycteropodidae |
| Size | Males: 40-65 kg; females: 30-50 kg, body length approximately 105-130 cm, tail length approximately 30-45 cm |
How to identify
Long and flexible nose resembling an elephant's trunk; sturdy limbs with strong claws adapted for digging; body covered with sparse, coarse hair; large, rounded ears; unique teeth that are tubular and lack enamel
Habitat
Sparse woodland savanna, shrublands, open forest edges, and dry grasslands
Diet
Obligate myrmecophage, primarily feeding on ants and termites
When it is active
Nocturnal, active frequently at night, mostly hiding in burrows during the day
Where it lives
Widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and the Masai Mara region
How to spot it
Use infrared or low-light photography equipment at night; observe digging behavior and foraging activity; easier to find near burrows during dry seasons
Photography tips
Recommended to use night vision devices or infrared photography; capture the dynamics of termite mound excavation; use static hides to minimize disturbance
Threats
Habitat destruction and human activity disturbances, occasionally hunted
Similar species
No similar species; clearly distinguished from other mammals due to its unique taxonomic position in the order Tubulidentata
