Southern Aardwolf
Proteles cristatus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Carnivora · Hyaenidae
About
The aardwolf is an insectivorous hyaenid species, native to East and Southern Africa. Its name means 'earth-wolf' in Afrikaans and Dutch. It is also called the maanhaar-jackal, termite-eating hyena and civet hyena, based on its habit of secreting substances from its anal gland, a characteristic shared with the African civet.
Fun Fact
Recent studies have suggested that the aardwolf probably diverged from other hyaenids early on; how early is still unclear, as the fossil record and genetic studies disagree by 10 million years.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Live in open, dry plains and bushland, avoiding mountainous areas.
Diet
Eat Trinervitermes bettonianus, in central Africa, they eat Trinervitermes rhodesiensis, and in southern Africa, they eat T.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance