Aardvark
The aardvark (Orycteropus afer) is a medium-sized, burrowing, night-roaming mammal found in central and southern Africa. The word aardvark is Afrikaans for "earth-pig". It is a timid and defenceless animal about the size of a small pig. It has a long head and pig-like snout, with long ears like those of a donkey. It feeds on termites and can dig holes so quickly that it can cover itself in five minutes, and can dig tunnels large enough for a small man to navigate.[1]
Aardvarks subsist on ants and termites, which they will dig out of their hills using sharp claws and powerful legs. They also dig to create burrows in which to live and rear young.
Seventeen subspecies of aardvarks have been identified, but differences among them are poorly defined.
References
- ↑ Oxford Paperback Encylopedia