Aardvark: The Nocturnal “Earth Pig” That Eats 50,000 Termites a Night

Common Name(s):
Aardvark, Antbear, Earth Pig

Scientific Name:
Orycteropus afer

Type:
Mammal – Tubulidentata order – Insectivore

Origin and Distribution:
Native exclusively to sub-Saharan Africa, from South Africa north to Sudan and Ethiopia. Found in 37 countries but scattered due to habitat preferences.

Habitat:
Savannas, woodlands, grasslands, and scrublands with soft soil for digging. Avoids dense forests and extreme deserts; needs termite mounds or ant nests.

Physical Description:
Odd-looking: 1–1.3 m long body, 40–60 cm tail, 40–80 kg. Pig-like snout, long sticky tongue (up to 60 cm), powerful claws for digging, large ears, and thick skin. Grey-brown coat with sparse hair; nocturnal so eyes small.

History and Cultural Significance:
Ancient name from Afrikaans “aardvark” (earth pig). Known to indigenous groups for digging; in folklore, symbol of curiosity. The only surviving species in its order—true evolutionary oddball.

Behavior and Lifestyle:
Strictly nocturnal and solitary. Digs burrows for shelter and to access termites/ants. Uses keen smell and hearing to locate prey; tongue catches insects rapidly. Poor eyesight but excellent night vision. Burrows often reused by other animals.

Conservation Status and Threats:
Least Concern (IUCN), with stable populations. Threats: habitat loss from agriculture, road kills, and human persecution (sometimes seen as pest).

Fun Facts

• Eats up to 50,000 termites per night—its main food source.
• Tongue is sticky and coated with saliva for catching insects.
• Burrows can be 10 m long with multiple entrances.
• Closest relatives are elephants and hyraxes (not anteaters).
• Can close nostrils to keep soil out while digging.

Best Places to See It in the Wild:
Kruger National Park (South Africa), Etosha National Park (Namibia), Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa/Botswana), Serengeti (Tanzania).