Species

By Kelly Abram - https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/175359469, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=134253363

Orycteropus afer

The aardvark is a burrowing, nocturnal mammal native to Africa. They have large ears, sharp claws and long snouts and tongues that help them dig for insects. Aardvarks are pale yellow-gray with a thin coat and tough skin. Males are slightly larger and the sides of the face and tail are lighter in females and darker in males.

Range: Sub-Saharan Africa (except West and Central rainforest regions)

Habitat: Grassland and savannah

Size: 40-82 kg (88.11 to 180.62 lb); 100-158 cm (39.37-62.20 in)

Life Span: 18 years in the wild; 23 years in captivity

Feeding: Myrmecophagus, specialising in ants and termites.

Reproduction: Polygynous with a gestation of seven months to bear one cub. It is weaned between three to three and a half weeks and typically remains with its mother until the next mating season. Aardvarks are sexually mature at two years of age.

Conservation Status: Least concern and they adapt well to captivity.

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Full Classification:

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