Aardwolf: The Tiny Termite-Eating “Hyena” That’s Actually a Shy Insect Specialist

Common Name(s): Aardwolf, Maanhaarjackal (Afrikaans), “Earth Wolf”

Scientific Name: Proteles cristata

Type: Mammal – Carnivore (Hyaenidae family) – Insectivore

Origin and Distribution: Native to eastern and southern Africa. Two subspecies: one in East Africa (Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania), the other in Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe).

Habitat: Open grasslands, savannas, scrublands, and lightly wooded areas with abundant termites. Prefers dry, sandy soils where termites are active.

Physical Description: Smallest member of the hyena family: 55–80 cm body length (plus 20–30 cm tail), weighing 8–14 kg. Slender build with long legs, pointed muzzle, large ears, and a distinctive black mane along the back that raises when threatened. Coat pale buff-grey with black vertical stripes; bushy tail with black tip.

History and Cultural Significance: Named “aardwolf” (earth wolf) by Afrikaans settlers for its shy, nocturnal habits. Often mistaken for a small hyena or jackal but is specialized for insects. Featured in some local folklore as a “ghost dog” due to its eerie calls.

Behavior and Lifestyle: Strictly nocturnal; solitary or in monogamous pairs. Feeds almost exclusively on termites (up to 300,000 per night), licking them up with a long, sticky tongue. Does not dig into mounds like aardvarks—instead laps exposed termites. Digs shallow burrows or uses abandoned ones. Very vocal with soft growls, whistles, and roars.

Conservation Status and Threats: Least Concern (IUCN), with stable populations. Threats: habitat loss from agriculture, persecution (mistaken for livestock killers), road kills, and poisons used for termites. Well-protected in many reserves.

Fun Facts • Not a true hyena — has a reduced dentition (almost no teeth) specialized for soft insects. • Can consume 200,000–300,000 termites in one night — its main food source. • Raises mane when scared to look bigger and more intimidating. • Extremely shy and elusive — often seen only on night drives. • One of the few mammals that is almost completely insectivorous.

Best Places to See It in the Wild: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa/Botswana — excellent night drives), Etosha National Park (Namibia), Makgadikgadi Pans (Botswana), Serengeti (Tanzania — East African subspecies), Madikwe Game Reserve (South Africa).