Aardvark

Scientific name: Orycteropus afer

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

The aardvark has sparse, coarse greyish-brown fur, prominent upright ears, and powerful forelegs with long, flattened digging claws. The body is stocky and muscular with a thin, hair-tufted tail.

Size and weight

Males typically weigh 60–82 kg, females 45–65 kg. Body length ranges 105–130 cm, with tail length 40–65 cm.

Habitat

Aardvarks inhabit semi-arid to savanna grasslands, cultivated areas, and open woodlands from sea level to approximately 2000 m elevation. They require soil friable enough for efficient burrow excavation.

Distribution

Found throughout sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal to South Africa, inhabiting savanna and open woodland where soil conditions permit effective burrowing.

Diet

Aardvarks feed primarily on termites (especially Trinervitermes), but also ants, other invertebrates, small rodents, and plant matter during rainy periods.

Behaviour

Nocturnal, solitary or paired, and highly territorial, the aardvark is a sedentary creature that forages over a large area in search of insect colonies and excavates shallow feeding burrows.

Hunting tips

Look for distinctive shallow excavation pits and enlarged termite mounds showing recent disturbance—aardvarks create characteristic conical feeding holes. Spoor shows deep claw marks and broad sole impressions. Hunt open grassland and watercourse margins at dawn or dusk; note that nocturnal activity makes daylight hunting difficult without artificial light.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

We have not yet recorded which countries this species is hunted in.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.