What kind of animal is an aardvark? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. This animal has been confirmed to inhabit a fairly wide area on the African continent, and can even be seen in zoos. Among all mammals, the ecology of this animal is the least understood, and there are many mysteries surrounding it.
What is an aardvark? About basic status
The aardvark is a mammal classified in the order Aardvaridae, genus Aardvark, and is the only animal belonging to the primitive ungulate order Tubedontidae. The scientific name is Orycteropus afer, and the kanji is earth pig. The body length is 140-220cm and the weight is 40-100kg. Although the name is pig, it has nothing to do with pigs. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | ツチブタ |
| English（英名） | Aardvark |
| scientific name(学名) | Orycteropus afer |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Tubulidentata、 Orycteropodidae、Orycteropus 哺乳綱、管歯目、ツチブタ科、ツチブタ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（体長） | 140-220cm |
| Weight（体重） | 40-100kg |
About classification
The aardvark is the only mammal classified in the genus Aardvark and a member of the primitive ungulate order Tulodontidae.
About habitat
Aardvarks are widely distributed on the African continent. They live south of the Sahara Desert.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The aardvark is characterized by a long snout. They mainly live in forests and grasslands. They tend to live alone and are nocturnal animals. With their shovel-like claws, they tend to dig a number of burrows within their home range that serve as temporary shelters, and in a pinch they will escape into the holes. They have no teeth or canines, and their molars are made up of tube-shaped objects that continue to grow throughout their lives.
What is your personality like?
Aardvarks are very gentle animals, but they can also be fearful. It is said that it takes a long time to get attached to people.
What is the ecology like?
Aardvarks use their long tongues to eat termites. They are thought to be polygynous, and there is no known fixed breeding season. The gestation period is 7 months. They can give birth to one baby at a time. Lifespan is 10 to 15 years.
Are there any natural enemies?
Aardvark’s natural enemies are carnivores such as hyenas and jackals. When they spot an enemy, they run into their burrow.
Is the aardvark an endangered species?
The aardvark is currently not an endangered species and is classified as Least Concern. However, there are concerns that the population will decrease in the future. Droughts are common in Africa, and aardvarks that have died due to drought are often found.
Can aardvark be kept as a pet?
Aardvarks are creatures that emit a very strong odor. Furthermore, they have a habit of constantly digging with their claws, so they are not very suitable for breeding. We recommend that you check out the information provided at events such as zoos.
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