Bookmarkable URL:http://hdl.handle.net/10217/52357
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Mammalia
Order:Carnivora
Family:Hyaenidae
Genus:Proteles
Genus species:Proteles cristatus
Eastern Africa Date:1958-1988 Subjects:Aardwolf
hyena
Hyaenidae
Carnivora
Mammals
Vertebrates
Chordata
Predatory animals
Scientific Classification
Kingdom:AnimaliaPhylum:Chordata
Class:Mammalia
Order:Carnivora
Family:Hyaenidae
Genus:Proteles
Genus species:Proteles cristatus
Animal Characteristics
Head-Body Length:85-105 cm
Height:40-50 cm
Weight:8-12 kg
Identification:The aardwolf has a yellowish coat with a black stripe running along the back and extending to the tip of the tail. Three black stripes run vertically along its sides. The aardwolf also has stripes on its legs
Habitat:Grasslands, savannas, scrub and rocky areas
Diet:Carnivore: termites, ants
Reproduction:After a gestation period of 2-3 months, females give birth to 2-4 cubs. Six to eight weeks later, the cubs first leave the den and are foraging independently by four months of age. The cubs leave their parents at the start of the next breeding season to establish their own territories.
Social Structure:Aardwolves are generally solitary.
Behavior:The aardwolf's behavior is dependent on its food source; therefore it is nocturnal. Territories are vigorously defended.
Status:No special status
Interesting Facts:Aardwolves have been known to consume up to 200,000 termites in a single night. They are beneficial to livestock ranches because they help stop termite infestations.
Height:40-50 cm
Weight:8-12 kg
Identification:The aardwolf has a yellowish coat with a black stripe running along the back and extending to the tip of the tail. Three black stripes run vertically along its sides. The aardwolf also has stripes on its legs
Habitat:Grasslands, savannas, scrub and rocky areas
Diet:Carnivore: termites, ants
Reproduction:After a gestation period of 2-3 months, females give birth to 2-4 cubs. Six to eight weeks later, the cubs first leave the den and are foraging independently by four months of age. The cubs leave their parents at the start of the next breeding season to establish their own territories.
Social Structure:Aardwolves are generally solitary.
Behavior:The aardwolf's behavior is dependent on its food source; therefore it is nocturnal. Territories are vigorously defended.
Status:No special status
Interesting Facts:Aardwolves have been known to consume up to 200,000 termites in a single night. They are beneficial to livestock ranches because they help stop termite infestations.
Other Information
Geographic:Southern AfricaEastern Africa Date:1958-1988 Subjects:Aardwolf
hyena
Hyaenidae
Carnivora
Mammals
Vertebrates
Chordata
Predatory animals