Aardvarks are curious looking mammals and maybe a creature you are not too familiar with. Despite their appearance, they are not related to anteaters, they are actually from the same group of mammals as the African elephants! Continuing reading to learn some interesting facts about these incredibly cute, but unusual creatures, #factfriday.
Incredible insectivores
Aardvarks have evolved elongated snouts, narrowing towards the end which makes them incredibly successful insectivores. They are able to move their snouts from side to side, to sniff out and feast on the insects. They use their 12-inch-long tongues to reach from insects and the surface of their tongues are sticky so they rarely miss a mouthful. In a single night, they can eat between 40,000 to 60,000 termites! They swallow the insects whole and do not need to chew because of the muscular action around their stomach that imitates chewing.
Feast in the night
Aardvarks are nocturnal and will spend the nights feasting on insects and digging borrows. Their feet act as spades and can dig a burrow quickly, up to 1m in 15 seconds. Wild dogs and other animals are known to use disowned Aardvark burrows and are therefore considered a keystone species. Aardvarks also have an incredible sense of smell which helps them forage at night. They have ten turbinate bones in their nose, which is double the amount a dog has.
Anti-social little creatures
Aardvarks are predominantly solitary animals, with the exception of coming together to mate. Despite being nocturnal, they may be seen outside their burrows in the day to catch some sunny rays. Aardvarks’ eyesight isn’t very good, so they are always cautious when leaving their burrows to forage at night. When they leave their burrow, they will stand in the entrance, motionless for several minutes and then will leap forward with numerous powerful leaps until they can no longer hear any sounds of threats. They will then trot slowly around searching for food.
Since their eyesight is limited, the aardvark is always cautious when leaving their burrow to forage for termites. When leaving their burrow, they will stand at the entrance, motionless, for several minutes and continue forward with numerous powerful leaps until there are no sounds or threats. They will then move at a slow trot looking for food.
Living prehistoric mammal
Aardvarks are the only living species of prehistoric Tubulidentata on earth. Tubulidentata evolved in Africa shorly after the dinosaurs went extinct 65 million years ago and judging by fossil records, they were not abundant back then. Their scientific name is Orycteropus afer of the family Orycteropodidae.
Aardvark… what does it mean?
Aardvark comes from the Afrikaans language and means ‘earth pig’ or ‘ground pig’. They are also referred to as ‘ant bears’ or ‘cape anteaters’.
Flee from danger!
Aardvarks are prey for predators such as hyenas, leopards, pythons, lions and even humans. They are highly intelligent species and can react quickly to danger. Their keen sense of smell and hearing helps to identify a possible threat and will seek refuge in their burrow and can use their hind feet to seal up the exit behind them. Surprisingly, Aardvarks are fast creatures and can reach up to speeds of 26 mph!
Threats
Aardvarks are under threat because of habitat loss due to the increasing human population and their expansion over their habitats. They are also hunted for their meat and body parts for medicinal purposes. Their teeth are thought to prevent illness when worn as a charm.
Come back next Friday for more interesting facts, #factfriday !
