Aardvark Facts
The aardvark is a medium-sized African mammal that digs burrows, feeds at night, and eats almost nothing but ants and termites.
- Class
- Mammal
- Scientific name
- Orycteropus afer
- Conservation status
- Least concern (IUCN)
About the aardvark
Its name comes from Afrikaans and translates to 'earth pig,' a nod to all that digging, though the aardvark is no relative of pigs. After sunset it follows its long snout to ant and termite nests, then tears them open with sharp claws and strong legs. Its range covers a large part of Africa's southern two-thirds, minus the mostly rocky areas.
Biologists file it alone: no other living animal shares its genus, its family or the whole order Tubulidentata, a name inspired by its tube-like teeth. Its closest living kin are elephant shrews, tenrecs and golden moles, and it sits in the wider group Afrotheria with elephants, manatees and hyraxes. Aardvark fossils date back 5 million years and turn up across Europe and the Near East. Seventeen loosely defined subspecies are recognized.
Did you know?
- Orycteropus, the aardvark's genus name, means 'burrowing foot.'
- People sometimes call the aardvark the African ant bear or the Cape anteater.
- Any resemblance to South American anteaters comes from convergent evolution, not close kinship.
Questions about the aardvark
Where do aardvarks live?
Over a wide stretch of Africa's southern two-thirds, skipping areas that are mainly rock. Each one digs a burrow to live in and raise young.
Is the aardvark endangered?
No. It is rated least concern.
Sources
- Wikidata Q46212, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Aardvark, checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.