The aardwolf hyena is an insect-eating mammal, native to Africa, and belongs to the same family as the hyena
But unlike other carnivores, it does not hunt large animals but eats insects. In this article from teketrek, we will talk about the aardwolf hyena, its geographical range, dietary system, and some of its distinctive habits.
Where does the aardwolf hyena live?
The aardwolf hyena (Proteles cristata) is found in two separate groups in Africa, in southern Zambia, Angola, and Mozambique, as well as in northeastern Uganda and Somalia.
The aardwolf hyena lives in savanna forests, dry and open pastures, where the average annual rainfall is less than 80 cm.
The aardwolf hyena avoids deserts or densely wooded areas. The northeastern population is separated from the southern population by wet forests.
The aardwolf hyena is a shy and solitary animal that forages for food and requires up to 4 square kilometers of space for optimal survival.
What are the characteristics of the aardwolf hyena?
The aardwolf hyena belongs to the phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata, and is among the mammals, its family is the hyenas, and its genus is Proteles cristata.
The aardwolf hyena has dark stripes on yellow-orange or dark brown fur, in addition to a thick coat that extends from the back of the head to the tail.
Spots or broken stripes can be seen on the gray and pale white neck.
Its feet are dark black with irregular horizontal stripes on the legs.
The total length of the aardwolf hyena ranges from 850 to 1050 mm, with the tail alone making up 200 to 300 mm of this total length.
The weight of the aardwolf hyena ranges from 8 to 14 kg.
The teeth and skull of the aardwolf hyena are similar in shape to those of other hyenas, although much smaller.
Cheek teeth are responsible for eating insects.
It has fangs, but does not use them for fighting or defense.
What is the diet of the aardwolf hyena?
The aardwolf hyena is a carnivorous animal (insectivore). It mainly feeds on termites and also on other insects, larvae, and eggs.
Sometimes it feeds on small mammals and birds, but they make up a very small percentage of its total diet.
Due to their dietary habits, the aardwolf hyena plays an important role in its ecosystem.
They control the numbers of termites, prevent widespread damage to timber, and benefit from natural habitats as well as humans.
Reproductive stages of the aardwolf hyena:
Aardwolf hyenas mate and produce offspring during the summer.
The gestation period for females lasts about 90 days after fertilization, and they give birth to 2 to 5 cubs.
These cubs remain underground only in a den for the first month, and continue to increase the distance of foraging from the den every two months (under parental supervision).
Weaning is usually complete at four months of age, however, full independence may not be achieved until about one year.
What habits does the aardwolf hyena practice?
The aardwolf hyena is a shy and nocturnal animal, sleeping in burrows during the day.
However, during the winter, the aardwolf hyena may change its nocturnal activity to diurnal to search for food.
This happens during the colder periods, where they stay inside their burrows at night to keep warm.
Most of the time, the aardwolf hyena spends time in shared areas that include about twelve dens.
The aardwolf hyena lives in family groups consisting of a mating pair and their offspring.
If its territory is violated, the aardwolf hyena will chase the intruder for up to 400 meters or to the border.
The dens of the aardwolf hyena are usually the abandoned burrows of ground pigs or spring birds or porcupines, or sometimes they find shelter in cracks in rocks.
The aardwolf hyena also digs its own burrows.
Usually, the aardwolf hyena uses only one or two dens at a time, and alternates through all its dens every six months.
During the summer, the aardwolf hyena may rest outside its den at night, and sleep underground during the heat of the day.
The aardwolf hyena identifies its food by sound, and also through the scent released by the soldier termites.
It mainly eats termites.
The aardwolf hyena often remembers the location of these nests and returns to them every few months.
Some common questions about the aardwolf hyena:
- Are aardwolf related to hyenas?
The main difference is the type of food, as the aardwolf hyena mainly feeds on termites and insects, while hyenas feed on animals.
- Is the aardwolf hyena harmful to livestock?
No, because it does not prey on livestock and does not approach them.
On the contrary, aardwolves control the numbers of termites, prevent widespread damage to timber, and benefit from natural habitats as well as humans.
- What is an aardwolf?
The aardwolf, also known as the ‘earth wolf’ or ‘maanhaar jackal,’ is an unusual type of hyena that lives in the plains of southern and eastern Africa. The aardwolf is so named because it lives in burrows within the ground
- How does the aardwolf live?
The aardwolf lives alone, in pairs, or in family groups. Its offspring consist of two to four. It is known for the mane along its back, which it can raise to appear massive. It chirps or growls when frightened. The aardwolf only comes out at night, so it is rarely seen by people.
- Do aardwolf eat meat?
The aardwolf feeds on small insects, such as ants and termites. It uses its long tongue to catch insects from their burrows in the ground.
- What are its behavioral habits?
The aardwolf is primarily a nocturnal animal, but sometimes ventures out of its hiding places in the early morning hours. It generally lives in family groups and gathers at the kill. It is characterized by immense jaw strength and can crush bones with its fangs.
- Are aardwolf friendly to humans?
It is not friendly to humans, but it does not pose a threat to them.
In conclusion
The aardwolf hyena is relatively widespread throughout East Africa.
In some areas, the aardwolf hyena is persecuted due to the mistaken belief that it preys on livestock. However, it is actually beneficial to farmers, as it eats harmful termites.
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