# Aardvark (*Orycteropus afer*)

> Aardvarks are nocturnal African mammals with pig-like snouts, rabbit-like ears, and powerful claws for tearing open termite mounds. They are the only living member of the order Tubulidentata and weigh 40–65 kg (88–143 lb). Listed Least Concern but locally threatened by bushmeat hunting.

- **Category:** Mammal
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Savannas, grasslands, and woodland across sub-Saharan Africa wherever ants and termites are abundant.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/aardvark/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Mammalia
- **Order:** Tubulidentata
- **Family:** Orycteropodidae
- **Genus:** Orycteropus

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Orycteropus afer |
| Diet | Ants and termites |
| Habitat | Savannas, grasslands, and woodland across sub-Saharan Africa |
| Lifespan | Up to 23 years in the wild |
| Weight | 40–65 kg (88–143 lb) |
| Top speed | Up to 40 km/h (25 mph) when fleeing predators |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Night digger

An aardvark can consume tens of thousands of insects in one night using a 30 cm tongue. Long ears detect insect activity; claws excavate hardened termite mounds in minutes.

## Burrow architects

Abandoned aardvark burrows shelter warthogs, hyenas, wild dogs, and pythons — making them keystone ecosystem engineers across African savannas.

## Solitary and secretive

Aardvarks leave their burrows after dark, foraging alone across home ranges marked with scent. They swim well and can seal nostrils while digging.

## Threats and status

Listed Least Concern globally but hunted for bushmeat in parts of Africa. Habitat conversion to agriculture reduces termite mound density in some regions.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is an aardvark an anteater?

No — it is an unrelated Afrotherian mammal. South American anteaters evolved similar traits independently.

### Are aardvarks endangered?

Globally Least Concern, but locally threatened by hunting and habitat loss in some countries.

### Where do aardvarks live?

Sub-Saharan Africa in savannas, grasslands, and woodland — anywhere ants and termites are abundant.

### What do aardvarks eat?

Almost exclusively ants and termites, lapped up with a long sticky tongue.

### Are aardvarks related to pigs?

No — the snout shape is convergent. Their closest living relatives include elephants and manatees (Afrotheria).

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/aardvark/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.