Pictures of animals

Aardvark (Orycteropus afer)

There is only one species of Aardvark in the world. The Aardvark is also known a an "antbear".

The Aardvark has a pig-like snout with nostrils that can be closed when it is digging for ants.

The Aardvark feeds on ants and termites. It is also known to feed on aardvark pumpkins (Cucumis humifructus) which grow underground. The Aardvark is usually active at night and is seldom seen during the day. The Aardvark can dig very rapidly - probably up to 4 or 5 metres in a minute depending on the type of soil.

The Aardvark finds ants with its sensitive sense of smell and then digs them out with its strong front claws. It uses its long sticky tongue to catch ants in their tunnels.