The aardvark, a unique mammal native to Africa, is known for its unusual appearance and nocturnal habits. This medium-sized burrowing creature, whose name means “earth pig” in Afrikaans, is the only living member of its biological family, Orycteropodidae, and order, Tubulidentata. Despite sharing some physical traits with anteaters, it is not closely related, belonging to a distinct evolutionary lineage.
Aardvark’s Primary Diet
Aardvarks are specialized insectivores, primarily consuming ants and termites. They can eat a large number of these insects, with estimates ranging from 40,000 to 100,000. While they consume both, termites generally form the larger portion of their diet, especially during the dry season or winter when ants may be less abundant. Termites provide a rich source of protein and essential nutrients.
Ants are also an important food source, particularly during the wet season when their colonies are more accessible. However, aardvarks typically avoid certain species, such as the African driver ant and red ants. Beyond insects, their diet occasionally includes the “aardvark cucumber” (Cucumis humifructus), a unique underground fruit. This cucumber provides additional hydration and nutrients, and the aardvark plays a key role in dispersing its seeds. They may also consume other soft-bodied insects like beetles or larvae if their primary food sources become scarce.
Unique Adaptations for Foraging
The aardvark has physical adaptations for locating and consuming insect prey. Its powerful forelimbs are equipped with spade-like claws, allowing it to rapidly dig into hard-packed earth and concrete-like termite mounds. An aardvark can excavate a two-foot deep hole in as little as 30 seconds.
Once a nest is breached, the aardvark uses its long, sticky tongue, which can extend up to 30 to 45 centimeters (12 to 18 inches), to rapidly collect the exposed insects. This tongue is coated with abundant thick, adhesive saliva, produced by well-developed salivary glands, to trap its prey. Its keen sense of smell is essential for locating subterranean colonies, supported by an olfactory system with more turbinate bones than any other mammal.
The aardvark’s specialized snout features nostrils that can be completely sealed or squeezed shut, preventing dust and insects from entering its nasal passages while digging. Its thick, tough skin provides protection against the bites and stings of defensive ants and termites. Large, rabbit-like ears are also mobile and aid in detecting the subtle sounds of insect activity underground and potential predators.