The Aardwolf (Proteles cristatus) looks like a small striped hyeana. It's name in Afrikaans means "earth wolf", because it lives in underground burrows. It feeds on larvae and termites and dead animals. It is called an insectivore, because carnivores that eat primarily (or only) insects are called insectivores. When compared to its much larger cousin, the hyena, the Aardwolf is shy and small. They are solitary compared to group behavior in hyenas. The Aardwolf has big ears to hear termites underground when it is hunting and also has a good sense of smell.
The Aardwolf is listed as Least Concern (LR/lc), lowest risk. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category, on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Namings for the aardwolf
A young / baby of a aardwolf is called a 'cub, pup or whelp'. The females are called 'bitch or fae' and males 'dog or brute'. A aardwolf group is called a 'pack or rout'.
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