AArdvark Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum Common Name: Aardvark Classification: Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Tubulidentata Family: Orycteropodidae Genus: Orycteropus Species: afer Museum Location: African Savannah Diorama Description: Aardvarks have thick, dull, brownish-to-yellowish skin covered sparsely by hairs. They possess a long snout, similar to that of a pig, and large ears (8-10 inches long). The head and body length of an aardvark can range from 3-5 ft., their tapered tails can be anywhere from 24-28 in. long, and they stand 22-26 in. tall at the shoulder. The aardvark typically weighs between 110-176 lbs. Habitat and Range: Aardvarks can be found in sub-Saharan Africa, primarily in grassland and savannah, except in the rainforests of the west-central parts of the continent. Diet: They primarily eat ants and termites, which are procured by means of the aardvark's long, sticky tongue. Aardvarks also feed on an underground tuber, Cucumis humifructus, also called "the aardvark's cucumber." This tuber provides the aardvark with an important source of water. Behavior: Aardvarks can dig a burrow faster than several humans using shovels because of their powerful, shovel-shaped claws. The nocturnal aardvark spends its days sleeping in its burrow. At night, aardvarks will feed by digging into termite or ant mounds and lapping up their prey with their tongues. Communication: Aardvarks have been heard making snuffling sounds while searching for prey. Reproduction: Aardvarks are polygamous (having more than one partner) and mating takes place year-round. Gestation lasts 7 months, after which 1 (occasionally 2) young are born weighing 1.8-2 kg. The young remain with their mothers for several weeks before venturing out of their burrow to forage with their mothers. Sexual maturity is reached 2 years after birth. Aardvarks can live up to 23 years. Species Status: Not listed by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources); aardvarks are listed under CITES Appendix II because of a lack of accurate information on their status. Interesting Facts: Aardvarks are color blind. By Suzy Bartoz