What is “Aardvark”?
The aardvark(/ˈɑːrd.vɑːrk/ ard-vark; Orycteropus afer) is a medium-sized, burrowing, nocturnal mammal native to Africa.
It is the only living species of the order Tubulidentata, although other prehistoric species and genera of Tubulidentata are known. Unlike other insectivores, it has a long pig-like snout, which is used to sniff out food.
It roams over most of the southern two-thirds of the African continent, avoiding areas that are mainly rocky. A nocturnal feeder, it subsists on ants and termites, which it will dig out of their hills using its sharp claws and powerful legs. It also digs to create burrows in which to live and rear its young. It receives a “least concern” rating from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), although its numbers seem to be decreasing.
Scientific name: Orycteropus afer
Mass: 40 – 65 kg (Adult)
Trophic level: Carnivorous Encyclopedia of Life
Conservation status: Least Concern Encyclopedia of Life
Gestation period: 213 days
Length: 100 – 130 cm (Adult, Without Tail)
Interesting Facts about Aardvark :
- Thought to be the first word in an English dictionary. (Generally its: “A”.)
- Ask anyone which word comes first in an English dictionary, and they will assuredly answer “aardvark”.
- Means ‘earth pig’ or ‘ground pig’.
- Have a very long sticky tongue that measures 30 centimeters long.
- Eat up to 50,000 ants and termites per night
- Can dig holes very fast to escape predators.
- Are widespread throughout Africa, but are rarely seen because they are nocturnal.
- Receives a “least concern” rating from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
- Aardvarks are a separate species from Anteaters.
- Old aardvark burrows often inhabited by smaller animals like the African Wild Dog.
- Google had acquired social search service also named Aardvark, for around $50 million in 11th Feb 2010.
- In September 2011, Google announced it would discontinue a number of its products, including Aardvark.