November 9, 2008

Aardvark (Orycteropus afer)

Aardvark (Orycteropus afer)

Aardvark (Orycteropus afer)The Aardvark (Orycteropus afer) is a large mammal native to Africa, an amazing nocturnal animals, weighing around (90 to 140 pounds) and are about 24 inches in height at the shoulder. The name comes from the Afrikaans/Dutch for "dirt pig”

These animals are found all over Africa, in dry and wet climate. They need access to water, and a food source (termites). Aardvarks only feast on termites, and they go from termite mound to termite mound digging these up, and feeding on the termites. The Aardvark has a long sticky tongue which is used in eating termites.

Did you know? The aardvark has very poor eyesight.

Aardvarks have large powerful claws on their feet, and these are used in digging. They have a short cone shaped tail, and long ears which are usually upright. It has an almost hairless body, a short neck and short legs.

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