Scientific Name: Proteles cristatus
Common name: Aardwolf Description: The colour of the body varies from yellow-brown to dull
yellow, with approximately five distinct vertical black stripes on the
flanks and some on the legs. It has a long, dark-tipped mane on the back
which bristles when the animal is frightened. The snout and lower parts of
the legs are black.
The ears stand erect and are pointed. The tail is bushy
with a black tip. The Aardwolf is smaller than both the hyenas, with a
lighter colour than the Brown Hyena and lacking the spots of the Spotted Hyena
Difference in Sex:
Average Weight of Adult male: 9 kg
Habitat: Very wide habitat, rely on availability of food
Habits: Solitary
Main feeding time: Night
Size: about 52 cm at shoulder
Gestation: 3 months
Number of young at birth: 2 to 4 cubs
Communication: Bark and growls
Age: 13 years
Diet: Termites and insects.
Enemies: Leopard, lion, hyena.
Interesting facts:
Quite often farmers shoot them out of ignorance, as they do not know that the
Aardwolf is not a predador. Credits: Christian Fourie.
.