Quick answer
Aardvarks are nocturnal African mammals with pig-like snouts, rabbit-like ears, and powerful claws for tearing open termite mounds. They are the only living member of the order Tubulidentata and weigh 40–65 kg (88–143 lb). Listed Least Concern but locally threatened by bushmeat hunting.
Top questions about the Aardvark
Also available in Español (Oricteropo)
Aardvark facts at a glance
- Weight 60 kg
- Length 1.5 m
- Top speed 40 km/h
- Lifespan 23 years
| Scientific name | Orycteropus afer |
|---|---|
| Diet | Ants and termites |
| Habitat | Savannas, grasslands, and woodland across sub-Saharan Africa |
| Lifespan | Up to 23 years in the wild |
| Weight | 40–65 kg (88–143 lb) |
| Top speed | Up to 40 km/h (25 mph) when fleeing predators |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Tubulidentata |
| Family | Orycteropodidae |
| Genus | Orycteropus |
Where it lives
The aardvark (Orycteropus afer) is native to Savannas, grasslands, and woodland across sub-Saharan Africa wherever ants and termites are abundant. — recorded across Africa in this guide’s range summary.
For occurrence records, see GBIF species search and sources below.
How big is a aardvark?
An adult aardvark measures 1.5 m long — about 87% of the height of an average adult person (1.73 m) — and weighs around 60 kg, about 86% of an average adult’s body weight (70 kg).
Length vs an average adult’s height (to scale)
What is a group of aardvarks called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Aardvarks is called a group.
Baby name
A baby Aardvark is called a cub.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Night digger
An aardvark can consume tens of thousands of insects in one night using a 30 cm tongue. Long ears detect insect activity; claws excavate hardened termite mounds in minutes.
Burrow architects
Abandoned aardvark burrows shelter warthogs, hyenas, wild dogs, and pythons — making them keystone ecosystem engineers across African savannas.
Solitary and secretive
Aardvarks leave their burrows after dark, foraging alone across home ranges marked with scent. They swim well and can seal nostrils while digging.
Threats and status
Listed Least Concern globally but hunted for bushmeat in parts of Africa. Habitat conversion to agriculture reduces termite mound density in some regions.
Explore the Aardvark
Range & geography
Conservation status of the Aardvark
The aardvark (Orycteropus afer) is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Least Concern (LC) is the IUCN's lowest-risk category, assigned to widespread, abundant species that have been evaluated and found not to be threatened. It does not mean a species faces no pressures — only that it is not currently at risk of extinction.
The aardvark (Orycteropus afer) is assessed on the IUCN Red List. Look up on the IUCN Red List .
Frequently asked questions about the Aardvark
Is an aardvark an anteater?
No — it is an unrelated Afrotherian mammal. South American anteaters evolved similar traits independently.
Are aardvarks endangered?
Globally Least Concern, but locally threatened by hunting and habitat loss in some countries.
Where do aardvarks live?
Sub-Saharan Africa in savannas, grasslands, and woodland — anywhere ants and termites are abundant.
What do aardvarks eat?
Almost exclusively ants and termites, lapped up with a long sticky tongue.
Are aardvarks related to pigs?
No — the snout shape is convergent. Their closest living relatives include elephants and manatees (Afrotheria).
What is a group of aardvarks called?
A group of Aardvarks is called a group.
What is a baby aardvark called?
A baby Aardvark is called a cub.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Aardvark:
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IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Least Concern) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Orycteropus afer.
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iNaturalist — observations & photos
Search citizen-science observations and community IDs for Orycteropus afer. Useful for range checks and recent sightings — not a substitute for formal Red List status.
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GBIF — occurrence data
Global Biodiversity Information Facility species search for Orycteropus afer. Explore published occurrence records used in range research.
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