# Aardwolf (*Proteles cristata*)

> The aardwolf (Proteles cristata) is a termite-eating hyena relative of eastern and southern African grasslands. It looks like a small striped hyena but has weak jaws and a sticky tongue for harvesting Trinervitermes termites by night. Adults weigh about 10 kg and are listed Least Concern.

- **Category:** Mammal
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Eastern and southern Africa in open grassland and scrub.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/aardwolf/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Mammalia
- **Order:** Carnivora
- **Family:** Hyaenidae
- **Genus:** Proteles

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Proteles cristata |
| Diet | Insectivore (termites) |
| Habitat | Savanna and open plains |
| Lifespan | Around 10 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 10 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 40 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Hyena that gave up meat

Aardwolves belong to the hyena family (Hyaenidae) but lack bone-crushing teeth. A long, sticky tongue laps termites from soil surface. Manes erect when alarmed.

## Harvester termite nights

Diet is almost entirely nasute harvester termites active on the surface after dark; they may take other insects opportunistically but do not hunt large prey.

## East and southern Africa plains

Savanna and open plains of eastern and southern Africa with suitable termite densities. Across its range it is tied to savanna and open plains, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.

## Misidentified as jackals

Least Concern, though poisoned baits and mistaken persecution as livestock predators (which they are not) cause local losses. Termite poison on farms can remove their food base.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is an aardwolf a hyena?

Yes — it is a member of Hyaenidae, but a specialised insectivore rather than a scavenger or bone-cracker.

### Do aardwolves eat carrion or livestock?

No — they are termite specialists and do not take sheep or cattle.

### How many termites can an aardwolf eat?

A single animal may consume tens of thousands of termites in a night when foraging is good.

### When are aardwolves active?

Mainly nocturnal and crepuscular, matching termite surface activity.

### Where do aardwolves live?

Open grassland and scrub in eastern and southern Africa. Native range summary: Eastern and southern Africa in open grassland and scrub.

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