Aardwolf

Afrikaans name: Aardwolf

Aardwolf

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Proteles cristatus

The Aardwolf has an interesting distribution. It is widely distributed in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique and its range extends slightly into Angola and Zambia. It is also found in East Africa up to Egypt.

The fact that this interesting mammal has such a wide distribution shows that it can live in a wide variety of habitats. It does, however, prefer areas of open spaces and wouldn’t be found in a forest.

The bulk of the Aardwolf’s diet is made up of termites, but it does eat some insects as well. Its dentition does not allow it to eat flesh despite having fairly long canine teeth. There are many farmers who believe that these creatures kill sheep there is no evidence to support this claim.

The Aardwolf is around 50 cm high and weighs up to 11 kg. Their fur is pale brown or buff in colour with several black stripes on the body and legs. The tail is predominantly black. They are nocturnal animals which are sometimes seen in the early morning or late afternoon.

The females give birth to up to four young in summer. The young are born in the security of a den, and they remain there for up to 8 weeks. At around 12 weeks they are able to accompany their parents and go looking for food.

References and further reading

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 208

Wild Ways - 2nd Edition - Author: Peter Apps - Published: 2000 - Page: 66

The Smaller Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. De V. Pienaar et al - Published: 1980 - Page: 73

Tracks and Tracking in Southern Africa - Author: Louis Liebenberg - Published: 2000 - Page: 75

The Natal Bushveld - Volume 2 - Author: Natal Parks Board - Published: 1981 - Page: 57

The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa - Author: P. Briggs - Published: 2020 - Page: 322

The Mammal Guide of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 2011 - Page: 128

The Living Deserts of Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Darry Lovegrove - Published: 2021 - Page: 134

The Living Deserts of Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Darry Lovegrove - Published: 2021 - Page: 103

Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 66

South African Animals in the Wild - Author: Anthony Bannister - Published: 1985 - Page: 97

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 320

Signs of the Wild - 5th Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1996 - Page: 84

Signs of the Wild - 3rd Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1986 - Page: 89

Questions and Answers - Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Published: 1990 - Page: 6

Predators of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Grobler, Hall-Martin & Walker - Published: 2012 - Page: 96

Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Published: 1980 - Page: 30

Pollinators, Predators and Parasites - Author: C. Scholtz, J. Scholtz, H. De Klerk - Published: 2021 - Page: 180

Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 1987 - Page: 41

Maberlys Mammals of Southern Africa - Revised edition - Author: Richard Goss - Published: 1986 - Page: 58

Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Published: 1986 - Page: 94

Kruger National Park Questions and Answers - Author: P.F. Fourie - Published: 1987 - Page: 287

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 418

Guide to the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park - Author: Gus Mills and Clem Haagner - Published: 1996 - Page: 38

First Field Guide to Animal Tracks of Southern Africa - Author: Louis Liebenberg - Published: 2003 - Page: 33

Field Guide to the Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. de V. Pienaar et al. - Published: 1987 - Page: 85

Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2001 - Page: 150

Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1997 - Page: 270

Field Guide to Fynbos Fauna - Author: Cliff & Suretha Dorse - Published: 2023 - Page: 252

Field Guide to the Cradle of Humankind - Author: B. Hilton-Barber & Prof. L. R. Berger - Published: 2004 - Page: 151

Chris and Tilde Stuarts Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 1st Edit - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1988 - Page: 150

An Introduction to the Larger Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Joanna Dalton - Published: 1987 - Page: 107

African Wildlife - A photographic safari - Author: Nigel and Wendy Dennis - Published: 1999 - Page: 72

A Field Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Southern and East African Wildlife - 3rd - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2000 - Page: 36

A Field Guide to the Mammals of Africa including Madagascar - Author: Theodor Haltenorth and Helmut Diller - Published: 1980 - Page: 216

Britannica

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List of South African Mammals