The aardvark (Orycteropus afer), also known as the ant-bear or the ground-pig, is a mammal that belongs to the Tubulidentata order (mammals that have small teeth only in the back of the mouth and of which it is the only member) and to the Orycteropodidae family (which is its only member).
Main picture link: https://www.pinterest.it/pin/537758011764977346/
Where does the aardvark live?
The aardvark is widespread in Africa south of the Sahara, especially in deserts and arid savannas such as in the Kalahari desert.
Map link: https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orycteropus_afer#/media/File:Aardvark_area.png
How big is the aardvark?
Length: 1,5 m.
Heigth: 60 cm.
Weigth: 80 kg.
Picture link: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/aardvark
What makes the aardvark unique?
On the outside, the aardvark appears as a puzzle between several species of animals: it has a body similar to a small kangaroo, ears as long as those of donkeys, claws similar to those of a bear (that's why it's called "ant bear") and the snout of a pig (which is why it is often called a "ground pig"). Despite this, the aardvark is not related to any of the species. As we mentioned above, it is an oritteropodide and a tubulidentate.
The teeth of the aardvark are made up of hexagonal dentin prisms, devoid of enamel and roots that surround a cylindrical tubular cavity filled with dental pulp.
The aardvark is famous for being a great digger: thanks to its claws it digs into the ground to search for food and also to build a den. Often the aardvark leaves the old burrows to build new ones. The abandoned burrows become a shelter for other animal species: snakes, bats, porcupines, warthogs, wild dogs, hyenas, jackals, leopards, badgers, pangolins, ground squirrels, meerkats, mongooses, lizards, small birds and invertebrates benefit from the aardvark's work.
The skin of the aardvark is very thick and this allows it to defend itself from the bites of ants and other insects. However, this skin is not thick enough to protect the aardvark from the bites of predators such as big cats.
Is the aardvark a social or a solitary animal?
The aardvark is a solitary animal. The few cases in which multiple aardvarks are found together are during the mating season and when the mother gives birth. In this case, only one baby is born after a gestation period of 7 months; the baby aardvark is very different from adult specimens since it appears without fur and is pink.
Picture link: https://www.pinterest.it/pin/669980882044271241/
What does the aardvark eat?
The aardvark is an insectivorous animal and feeds exclusively on ants, termites and other insects.
Who are the aardvark's natural enemies?
As already mentioned above, among the main enemies of the aardvark there are the big cats: lions and leopards hunt it especially at night when the awning is most active.
The aardvark is hunted also by hyenas, African wild dogs and pythons.
To escape these carnivores, the aardrvark hides underground but sometimes it defends itself with its claws.
What is the relationship between the awning and man?
Currently, the aardvark is not an endangered species. However, it's hunted for the following reasons:
- Food.
- Using your teeth for necklaces.
- Using the heart as protection against bulldog ant bites.
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