Aardvark

Orycteropus afer

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mammalia · Tubulidentata · Orycteropodidae

About

The aardvark is a medium-sized, burrowing, nocturnal mammal native to Africa. The aardvark is the only living member of the genus Orycteropus, the family Orycteropodidae and the order Tubulidentata. It has a long proboscis, similar to a pig's snout, which is used to sniff out food.

Fun Fact

Aardvarks are the only living members of their entire order (Tubulidentata), and their teeth lack enamel and continuously grow — each tooth is actually a cluster of tiny tubes, giving the order its name ('tube-toothed').

Quick Facts

Habitat

Savannas and grasslands

Diet

Insectivore

Lifespan

18-23 years

Threats

Overgrazing
Agricultural Conversion

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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