Aardwolf (Proteles cristata)

Overview
The aardwolf, meaning “earth wolf” in Afrikaans, is a small, insectivorous mammal native to eastern and southern Africa. Despite its name, it’s not a wolf but a unique member of the hyena family (Hyaenidae).

Physical Characteristics
Size: Weighs between 7.9–12 kg (18–26 lbs); stands about 50 cm (20 inches) tall at the shoulder.

Appearance: Resembles a smaller striped hyena with a slender build, vertical black stripes on a yellowish coat, a bushy black-tipped tail, and a distinctive mane that can be raised when threatened.

Habitat & Distribution
Aardwolves inhabit open, dry plains and bushlands, favouring regions where specific termite species are abundant. They are found in two separate populations: one in southern Africa and another in East and Northeast Africa.

Diet & Feeding Behaviour
Primarily nocturnal, aardwolves feed almost exclusively on termites, especially those from the Trinervitermes genus. Using their long, sticky tongues, they can consume up to 250,000 termites in a single night without destroying the termite mounds, allowing for sustainable feeding.

Behaviour & Social Structure
Aardwolves are generally solitary, coming together only during mating seasons. They are territorial animals, marking their territories with secretions from their anal glands. Their territories can encompass up to 4 square kilometres.

Reproduction
Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season. After a gestation period of about 90 days, females give birth to two to five cubs. Both parents participate in rearing the young, who become independent after several months.

Conservation Status
Classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, aardwolf populations are stable. However, they face threats from habitat loss and misconceptions leading to persecution, despite their beneficial role in controlling termite populations.