Aardvark

Range map for the aardvark in Africa.

The aardvark (Orycteropus afer) is a nocturnal mammal, found in central and southern Africa. The word aardvark is Afrikaans for "earth-pig".

It is a timid and defenceless animal, about the size of a small pig. It has a long head and pig-like snout, with long ears like those of a donkey. It feeds on termites and can dig holes so quickly that it can cover itself in five minutes, and can dig tunnels large enough for a small man to navigate.