Conservation: The Aardvark in Africa

The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush but sightings remain an elusive prize.
The Aardvark is unique. Known variously as ‘anteater’, ‘ant-bear’ and ‘ant-pig’ (the latter being the translation of its Afrikaans name), it is not related to these namesakes but belongs to an ancient order of mammals (Tubulidentata), whose closest living relatives are the diminutive elephant shrews. The confusion is understandable: seen above ground, an aardvark appears assembled from other creatures, with a stocky, pig-like body, an anteater’s snout, a kangaroo’s tail and a rabbit’s long ears.
Entirely nocturnal, it inhabits open country, where it lives in burrows by day and emerges after dark to forage alone for ants and termites, using spade-like claws to break into termite mounds and licking up the occupants with its long, sticky tongue. Females give birth to their single cub underground.
www.expertafrica.com/wildlife...
www.nationalgeographic.com/an...
#conservation #ironman4x4africa #travelfurtherseemore #aardvark

[@wendyh3891]

Excellent thank you for sharing ❤️❤️❤️ from PE Eastern Cape South Africa

[@andrewhepburn5271]

Very special, thank you for this post 👍🏼🇿🇦

[@patshes1951]

Cool video.

[@mariettepitlo3298]

If you were really concerned about conservation you would not be organizing any kind of sports activity in such sensitive area. All about money /?testosterone driven activity?
Dr Calcott’s research is fascinating.

[@micvanzyl]

Hi Mariette, don't quite know what you are referring to in your comment. Care to elaborate please?