Fauna
Mammal · GBIF taxon 2433502

Aardwolf

Proteles cristata

Also known as Maanhaarjakkals, Termite-eating Hyena, Civet Hyena

Aardwolves are solitary, nocturnal insectivores that feed almost exclusively on harvester termites, licking up to 300,000 in a single night with their broad, sticky tongues. Unlike their bone-crushing hyena relatives, their cheek teeth are reduced to peg-like structures suited for soft prey, and they raise a thick dorsal mane when threatened to appear larger. They mark extensive territories using secretions from their anal glands and rely on burrows excavated by other mammals for daytime shelter.

NocturnalInsectivoreMammal
Aardwolf reference
Licensed referenceno rights reserved, uploaded by Dave Brown · cc0
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Harvester termites
  • Other insects
Predators
  • Jackal
  • Leopard
  • Lion
ThreatsAccidental poisoning, farm dogs, habitat alteration
HabitatsDry open plains, savannas, grasslands, shrublands
Life span10–15 years
Classification
  1. OrderCarnivora
  2. FamilyHyaenidae
  3. GenusProteles
  4. SpeciesProteles cristata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Capable of a defensive bite if cornered or handled; observe quietly from a safe distance.
Responsible observation
  • Night Spotting: Look for reflective eye-shine along open grassland roads after sunset.
  • Keep Distance: Maintain a peaceful buffer to avoid triggering defensive mane-raising or flight.
  • Listen Carefully: Pay attention for quiet clucking or deep growling vocalizations during territorial displays.
Related species
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