Aardwolf
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| ?Aardwolf Conservation status: Least concern (LR/lc) |
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 Aardwolf
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| Proteles cristatus Sparrman 1783 |
- For the CIA report, see Aardwolf (CIA report). For the multi-user dungeon, see Aardwolf MUD.
The Aardwolf (Proteles cristatus) is a small hyena, native to Eastern and Southern Africa. The name means "earth wolf" in Afrikaans. Unlike other hyenas, the aardwolf is a defenseless and non-threatening animal whose diet consists almost entirely of termites. The natural enemies are detered by the superficial resemblence to the more aggressive hyena species.
The aardwolf is the only surviving species of the subfamily Protelinae. Two subspecies are recognized: Proteles cristatus cristatus of Southern Africa and Proteles cristatus septentrionalis of Eastern and Northeastern Africa.
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[edit] Physical characteristics
The aardwolf looks most like the Striped Hyena, but is significantly smaller and has a more pointed muzzle, sharper ears, vertical stripes, and a long mane down the middle line of the neck and back. It is 76 cm (30 in) long excluding its 30 cm (12 in) tail, stands about 50 cm at the shoulder, and weighs around 9 kg. It has two glands at the rear that secrete a musky fluid for marking territory and communicating with other aardwolves.
[edit] Distribution and habitat
The aardwolf lives on open, dry plains and bushland, while avoiding mountainous areas. Due to its specific food requirements, the animal is only found in regions where termites of the family Hodotermitidae occur. Termites of this family depend on dead and withered grass and are most populous in heavily grazed grasslands and savannas, including farmland.
There are two distinct populations: one in Southern Africa, and another in East and Northeast Africa. The species does not occur in the intermediary miombo forests.
[edit] Behavior
Aardwolves are nocturnal, sleeping in underground burrows by day. They sometimes use existing burrows of aardvarks, Old World porcupines or springhares. By night, an aardwolf can consume up to 200,000 harvester termites. They are also known to feed on other insects, larvae, and eggs. Unlike other hyenas, it does not scavenge or kill larger animals because of its weak jaw and small size.
The aardwolf is primarily solitary, but a mating pair will occupy the same territory with their young. Gestation lasts between 90 and 100 days. The first six to eight weeks are spent in the den with the mother. After three months, they begin supervised foraging and set off on their own shortly thereafter.
[edit] Relation to humans
The aardwolf has taken advantage of the development of agriculture in the continent. They are often considered useful, undangerous animals by farmers. However, in some areas the aardwolf is hunted for its fur. Deadly encounters with dogs are another threat.
[edit] References
- Hyaena Specialist Group (1996). Proteles cristatus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006.
[edit] External links
