Table of Contents
- 1 Are aardvark endangered?
- 2 How many aardvark species are there?
- 3 Are aardvarks still alive?
- 4 Can we eat aardvark?
- 5 Can an aardvark jump?
- 6 How long does an aardvark live?
- 7 How big is an aardvark compared to a pig?
- 8 How many insects does an aardvark eat in one night?
- 9 Where do aardvarks live in the Indian Ocean?
Are aardvark endangered?
Least Concern
Aardvark/Conservation status
How many aardvark species are there?
The 15 or so extant species of aardvarks belong to the mammalian order Tubulidentata, classified under the genus name Orycteropus (Greek for “burrowing foot”).
Are aardvarks still alive?
The aardvark (/ˈɑːrdvɑːrk/ ARD-vark; Orycteropus afer) is a medium-sized, burrowing, nocturnal mammal native to Africa. It is the only living species of the order Tubulidentata, although other prehistoric species and genera of Tubulidentata are known.
Is an aardvark part of the anteater family?
Aardvarks are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The aardvark’s name comes from the Afrikaans/Dutch language and means “earth pig,” according to National Geographic. Though they do eat ants — so they are technically “ant eaters” — aardvarks are a separate species from anteaters, which are found in South America.
How fast can an aardvark run?
26 miles an hour
An aardvark can reportedly accelerate to 26 miles an hour. Not too shabby.
Can we eat aardvark?
Aardvarks are hunted by humans. Many African tribes hunt this animal for its meat and sometimes use its body parts as charms—the teeth are believed to prevent illnesses.
Can an aardvark jump?
Tag Archive for: can aardvarks jump It is unusual, shy and nocturnal rare to see on a safari. Due to the powerful limbs plus the spade-like claws, the Aardvark is able to dig up a 60 cm burrow in about 15 seconds.
How long does an aardvark live?
Longevity is at least 24 years in zoos. Aardvarks indirectly benefit humans in areas where termites would otherwise damage crops. Owing mainly to their nocturnal habits, little is known about aardvark population status, but they are not endangered.
Does lion eat aardvark?
Main predators of aardvarks are lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, pythons, leopards and humans.
What do you need to know about the Aardvark?
However, there are some truly bizarre facts you should know about these African mammals, ranging from the size of their underground burrows to their predilection for the aardvark cucumber. When the sun goes down, the nocturnal Aadvark leaves its burrow. Getty Images
How big is an aardvark compared to a pig?
Aardvarks are about the size of a small pig. Typically, they weigh from 110 to 180 lbs. (50 to 82 kilograms). From head to rump, aardvarks are 43 to 53 inches (109 to 135 centimeters) long, and their tail adds another 21 to 26 inches (53 to 66 cm) to its length, according to National Geographic.
How many insects does an aardvark eat in one night?
Female aardvarks give birth in this chamber. Although burrows usually have just one entrance, some have numerous entrances as well as several tunnels extending from the main passage. Aardvarks can consume about 50,000 insects in one night.
Where do aardvarks live in the Indian Ocean?
The only habitats aardvarks avoid are swamps and lowlands, where they can’t burrow their holes to a sufficient depth without hitting water. Aardvarks are completely absent from the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar, which makes sense from a geologic perspective.